Lipitor

Generic name: Atorvastatin calcium

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor is a type of medication called a statin. It lowers cholesterol in your blood. Lipitor lowers the "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can raise the "good" HDL cholesterol as well. Lipitor is for adults and children over 10 years old whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone. Lipitor can lower the risk for heart attack or stroke in patients who have risk factors for heart disease such as age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol levels, heart disease in the family; or high blood sugar with risk factors such as eye problems, kidney problems, smoking, or high blood pressure.

What is the most important information I should know about Lipitor?

Taking Lipitor is not a substitute for following a healthy low-fat and low-cholesterol diet and exercising to lower your cholesterol.

Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant.

Lipitor can cause serious side effects, especially if taken with certain other medicines (see "What are possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?" below).

Who should not take Lipitor?

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take Lipitor, since this medication may harm an unborn baby. Likewise, do not take Lipitor if you are breastfeeding, as it can pass into your breast milk. Do not take Lipitor if you have liver problems; or if you are allergic to the medication, or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lipitor?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Lipitor. Be sure to tell your doctor if you take medicines for any of the following: birth control, cholesterol, heart failure, HIV or AIDS, infections, or the immune system. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol daily, or if you have diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have muscle aches or weakness, or problems with your kidney, liver, or thyroid.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults >17 years: The usual starting dose of Lipitor is 10 or 20 milligrams (mg) taken 1 time each day, with a maximum dose of 80 mg daily.

Lipitor starts to work in about 2 weeks. Your cholesterol levels will be checked during treatment with Lipitor, and your dosage may be changed based on the results.

Children and adolescents 10 to 17 years: The usual dose is 10 mg daily, with a maximum dose of 20 mg daily.

Adolescent girls must be having periods before taking Lipitor.

How should I take Lipitor?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet before giving you Lipitor. Stay on this diet while taking the medication.

Do not break Lipitor tablets before you take them. Take Lipitor each day at any time of day at about the same time each day. Lipitor can be taken with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Lipitor?

Do not get pregnant or take the medication while breastfeeding. If you do get pregnant, stop taking Lipitor right away and call your doctor.

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lipitor?

If Lipitor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lipitor with any of the following: cimetidine, clarithromycin, colestipol, cyclosporine, digoxin, erythromycin, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, ketoconazole, oral contraceptives, spironolactone

What are the possible side effects of Lipitor?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: constipation, diarrhea, gas, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, stomach pain, upset stomach

Some people may develop more serious side effects while taking Lipitor. These side effects may include severe muscle problems that can sometimes lead to kidney problems, including kidney failure. You have a higher chance for developing muscle problems if you are taking certain other medicines with Lipitor. Another serious side effect is liver problems.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: muscle problems like weakness, tenderness, or pain that happen without a good reason, especially if you also have a fever or feel more tired than usual; nausea and vomiting; passing brown or dark-colored urine; stomach pain; your skin and whites of your eyes become yellow

Can I receive Lipitor if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Lipitor may cause harm to an unborn or newborn baby, and should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lipitor?

If you miss a dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 12 hours since your last dose, wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of Lipitor at the same time.

How should I store Lipitor?

Store Lipitor at room temperature.