| Generic Name:
Atorvastin
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| Drug Class:
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
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| Description |
Lipitor® is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin". It is used along with a proper diet
to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, Lipitor® is prescribed after non-drug treatment
options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight
loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Lipitor® is used in adults and children (10 years of age and older). Young girls must have had their first menstrual period
before starting this medication.
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| Proper
Use |
Take Lipitor® by mouth usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. This drug is best taken in
the evening.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed
in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with atorvastatin. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more details.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with Lipitor® unless your doctor instructs you
otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for more details.
If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol),
take Lipitor® at least 2 hours after these medications.
Use Lipitor® regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take
up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
It is important to continue taking Lipitor® even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do
not feel sick.
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| Side
Effects |
Headache, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, or joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Lipitor® because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Lipitor® may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called
rhabdomyolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or
unusual tiredness).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin,
dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to Lipitor® is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before taking Lipitor®, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "statins"; or if you have
any other allergies.
Lipitor® should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you have: active liver disease.
Before using Lipitor®, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, history of
liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes (poorly controlled), alcohol use.
The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. Lipitor®
is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before
stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma,
serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug,
especially muscle damage.
Lipitor® must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. It is recommended that young girls and women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures to prevent
pregnancy while taking this drug since Lipitor® may cause fetal harm.
Lipitor® passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended
while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Lipitor® should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal, interactions may occur:
certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin,
troleandomycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, telithromycin.
If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Lipitor®.
Use caution if the following drugs are combined with Lipitor® because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy)
infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day).
Before using Lipitor®, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,
especially of: birth control pills, cholestyramine, clopidogrel, colestipol, digoxin, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir,
ritonavir), other drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors, and inducers such as amiodarone,
cyclosporine, diltiazem, verapamil, rifampin, St. John's wort, carbamazepine).
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in
the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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