Type: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Active ingredient: Atorvastatin
Common use: Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor chiefly used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, Lipitor should be taken with a glass of water.
Lipitor can be taken with or without food. It is recommended to take Lipitor roughly the same time every day. Do not eat or drink grapefruit while using Lipitor.
If you miss a dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.
How to store: Store Lipitor at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture.
Warnings:
- It can take up to 2 weeks before the full benefits of Lipitor takes effect.
- It is important to keep on taking Lipitor even if you feel well.
- Keep all your doctor appointments and laboratory appointments. You doctor will probably want you to test your blood cholesterol levels and your liver function regularly.
- Lipitor can cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Lipitor.
- Daily use of alcohol can increase the risk Lipitor side-effects.
- Do not combine any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) with Lipitor without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Caution is advised for the elderly, since they may be more sensitive to the side-effects of Lipitor.
- Before undergoing any type of surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Lipitor.
- Do not use Lipitor while pregnant. Do not get pregnant while using Lipitor.
- Lipitor is excreted in breast milk. Do not use Lipitor while breastfeeding.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop muscle pain, muscle tenderness or muscle weakness. This can be symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, especially if accompanied by fever and fatigue.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dark urine, yellowing of eyes, yellowing of skin, black stool, change in the amount of urine, or severe stomach pain. It can be a sign of liver or kidney problems.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, e.g. difficulty breathing, tightness of chest, swollen face, swollen eyelids, swollen lips, a rash or hives.
- Contact your doctor if you experience joint pain, chest pain, swollen arms or swollen legs.
Examples of reported side-effects:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Rhabdomyolysis (see above)
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
- Swollen arms
- Swollen legs
- Liver or kidney problems (see above)