Drug Uses

Lipitor is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (Chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

How Taken

Lipitor comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Lipitor, take it around the same time every day. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Lipitor and gradually increase your dose. Continue to take Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lipitor without talking to your doctor. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Lipitor without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have a chronic muscular disease, require major surgery, or have a blood disorder. You may not be able to take Lipitor, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Lipitor is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Lipitor is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Lipitor passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Lipitor are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
-gas
-stomach pain or cramps
-diarrhea
-constipation
-heartburn
-headache
-blurred vision
-dizziness
-rash or itching
-upset stomach
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
-muscle pain
-tenderness
-muscle cramps or weakness with or without a fever.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. The symptoms of an Lipitor overdose are not known.

More Information

Alcohol and Lipitor can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Lipitor. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Lipitor at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

LIPITOR (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film Coated [Parke-Davis Division Of Pfizer Inc]
Updated Date: Mar 9, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Diabetics need to take care with other drugs
Q: My mother has Type 2 diabetes and has had a terrible time controlling her blood sugar, even taking metformin and Actos. I suspect that the risperidone and Lipitor she takes might be making this harder. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

LIPITOR (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film Coated [Parke-Davis Division Of Pfizer Inc]
Updated Date: Feb 25, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Whistleblower charges Pfizer with unlawfully marketing Lipitor
An amended whistleblower suit alleges that pharmaceutical company Pfizer unlawfully marketed Lipitor to the public for more than seven years and deliberately misrepresented U.S. guidelines, including those issued by the National Institutes of Health. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)