Generic name:
Lipitor (atorvastatin) reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the available dosage forms and strengths?
Tablet
How should you take Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Do not break a Lipitor (atorvastatin) tablet before taking it.
The usual starting dose of Lipitor is 10 mg once a day in adults and children aged 10 years or older. This may be increased if necessary by your doctor until you are taking the amount you need. Your doctor will adapt the dose at intervals of 4 weeks or more. The maximum dose of Lipitor is 80 mg once a day.
Your doctor should start you on a low-fat diet before giving you Lipitor (atorvastatin). Stay on this low-fat diet when you take Lipitor (atorvastatin).
It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control.
If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time. Do not take 2 doses on the same day.
Store at room temperature; away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Who should not take Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
You should not use Lipitor (atorvastatin) if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking Lipitor (atorvastatin) and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
Do not breast-feed while you are taking Lipitor (atorvastatin).
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.
What to avoid while taking Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Drinking alcohol while taking Lipitor can raise triglyceride levels; and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Therefore, you should not drink alcohol while taking Lipitor.
If you are taking Lipitor (atorvastatin), you should avoid grapefruit juice and any foods containing grapefruit.
Grapefruit may cause the levels of Lipitor in your bloodstream to rise to dangerous levels.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
Lipitor (atorvastatin) can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Lipitor (atorvastatin) contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this product.
What are the possible side effects of Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue.
In rare cases, Lipitor (atorvastatin) can cause a condition that result in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
pain or burning when you urinate;
liver problems--upper stomach pain, weakness, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
kidney problems--little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
You may need to stop using Lipitor (atorvastatin) for a short time if you have:
uncontrolled seizures;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
severely low blood pressure;
a severe infection or illness; or
surgery or a medical emergency.
Common side effects may include:
joint pain;
stuffy nose, sore throat, nose bleed;
nausea, indigestion, diarrhea; or
pain in your arms or legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs interact with Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
birth control pills;
other cholesterol-lowering medication;
heart medication; or
medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information about Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
If you have any questions about buying discount Lipitor (atorvastatin) or any other prescription products online, you can contact us.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention
