Brand Names— Lipitor
Generic Name— Atorvastatin Calcium
What Is Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?
Lipitor is a prescription medicine which is used to lower bad cholesterol i.e. low density lipoprotein or LDL and to increase good cholesterol i.e. high density lipoprotein or HDL. It can help to lower triglycerides and to prevent the symptoms of high cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, and to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or other heart complications. Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called Lipid—Lowering Agents, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3]
You can use this medication along with a proper diet. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. In addition to this, other lifestyle changes that may help this medication to work better include workout, losing weight if overweight and quitting smoking. [Trusted Source 1]
Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
It may be used alone or with other medications. Adults and children with age of at least 10 years old may use this medication. Ask your doctor for more details. [Trusted Source 3]
Important Information:
Avoid taking this medication if you are pregnant or breast—feeding. [Trusted Source 3] [Trusted Source 4]
You should not take lipitor if you have liver disease, or if you have had a history of allergic reaction to lipitor in the past. Tell each of your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using or any medication you are going to start or stop using.
Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure.
Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have unexplained muscle pain, weakness or tenderness; especially if you also have fever, dark colored urine or unusual tiredness. [Trusted Source 3]
Interactions:
Certain drugs may increase the risk of serious muscle problems. It is important that your doctor or health care provider knows if you are using any of them. [Trusted Source 4]
Tell your doctor about all of your current medications, especially —
- Birth control pills or contraceptive pills
- Cardiovascular medication
- Antibiotic or anti—fungal medicine
- Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS
- Other cholesterol—lowering medication
What are The Possible Side-Effects of Atorvastatin or Lipitor?
The most common side effects of lipitor include [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2] —
- Joint pain
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Pain in your arms or legs
Lipitor may cause serious side-effects including —
- Upper stomach pain
- Weakness
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Short of breath
- Little or no urinating
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
You can take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if the next dose is less than 12 hrs away. Do not consume extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
You should avoid consuming foods that are high in fat or cholesterol otherwise atorvastatin will not be as effective. Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice because it may interact with atorvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 3] [Trusted Source 4]
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It can raise the bad levels of triglyceride and may increase the risk of liver damage. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 3] [Trusted Source 4]
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