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

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

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take it without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. Before taking it, 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 it, 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 it if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Do not take it without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. 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.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from this medication 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

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. The symptoms of an 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 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.