LIPITOR

Who is Lipitor for ?

Atorvastatin is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in the blood. Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body. Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood vessels (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Lowering blood levels of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

this medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA Reductase, an enzyme that is necessary to make cholesterol. When atorvastatin blocks this enzyme, less cholesterol is made, and the liver is more sensitive to remove cholesterol from the blood thus lowering blood cholesterol levels.

When should I be careful taking Lipitor ?

Before taking atorvastatin,

 

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atorvastatin or any other medications.

   

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); medications that suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); other cholesterol-lowering medications such as fenofibrate (Tricor), gemfibrozil (Lopid), and niacin (nicotinic acid, Niacor, Niaspan); and spironolactone (Aldactone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

   

• tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.

   

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking atorvastatin, stop taking atorvastatin and call your doctor immediately. Atorvastatin may harm the fetus.

   

• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking atorvastatin.

   

• if you have a severe infection, surgery, an injury, low blood pressure, or seizures while taking atorvastatin, talk to your doctor about stopping the medication for a while.

Side Effects

Atorvastatin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• gas or bloating
• stomach pain
• constipation
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• dizziness
• sore throat
• weakness
• rash

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• lack of energy or fever
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Atorvastatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication