Lipitor

The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin. Lipitor is considered a statin medication that works to lower high cholesterol levels. It works by blocking a specific protein or enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol. In turn, Lipitor will then lower your low-density lipoprotein, or LDL-C, “bad” cholesterol. It should also raise your high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, “good” cholesterol levels and lower your triglyceride levels.

Lipitor is used in adults with type 2 diabetes who do not have heart disease but have multiple risk factors for heart disease such as a risk of stroke and heart attack It also lowers the risk of stroke and heart attacks in adults who have already had a heart attack that has not caused a stroke, death, types of heart surgery, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and chest pain in patients (adults) who have heart disease.

Lipitor can also be used in adults and children 10 years of age or older for the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), as well as for children 10 years of age or older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or other types of hyperlipidemias. Your doctor may prescribe another cholesterol-lowering treatment in addition to Lipitor and/or diet changes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lipitor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lipitor:

Lipitor is a tablet that can be taken at any time of the day that works for you. It is most effective if you take the medication at the same time every day.

Limit alcohol intake while taking Lipitor. If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. In this case, skip this dose and take your next dose on your normal schedule.

Receive blood tests as often as your provider asks you to do so. Also, keep up a healthy diet and follow a regular exercise routine set forth by your doctor.

The most common side effects of Lipitor seen in clinical trials include:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat
• Pain in extremity
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Urinary tract infection
• Muscle spasms
• Throat pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lipitor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness)
• Especially if taken with other specific medications, this may be a serious side effect of Lipitor. You have an increased risk of developing this side effect if you:
• Are 65 years of age or older
• Have uncontrolled thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism
• Had kidney issues
• Are taking certain other medications, or drink a lot of grapefruit juice
• Are on higher doses of Lipitor
• Muscle issues could lead to muscle breakdown, which could cause kidney damage and death in rare cases.
• If you feel any muscle tenderness, weakness, unexplained muscle pain, or general muscle problems, speak to your doctor immediately.
• Liver problems, such as liver disease
• You most likely will get blood tests before starting Lipitor.
• Speak to your doctor immediately if you start to exhibit any of the following symptoms:
• Vomiting or nausea
• Feeling weak or tired
• Upper belly pain
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of your skin or in the whites of your eyes
• Dark or brown urine
• A rise in blood sugar levels
• Speak to your doctor about lifestyle choices that are best for you.
• Attempt to exercise on a consistent schedule and choose foods that create a well-balanced diet.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lipitor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lipitor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• An allergy or have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any other components of Lipitor. Receive medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction
• Symptoms similar to the flu, such as:
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Sore throat
• Feeling dizzy or fainting
• Rapid heart rate
• Swelling of your throat, tongue, lips, or face
• Problems swallowing or breathing
• Have liver complications such as hepatitis
• A history of drinking more than two servings of alcohol every day
• A pregnancy, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Diabetes
• Kidney issues or kidney disease
• Had a stroke

• Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any of the ingredients in Lipitor
• Acute liver failure or known decompensated cirrhosis

Lipitor typically starts lowering cholesterol within 24 to 48 hours of starting the medication. However, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to see the full effect on cholesterol levels. Regular follow-up with your doctor and blood tests will help monitor your progress.

When Lipitor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine or other medications for your immune system
• Gemfibrozil
• Digoxin
• Clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, or other antibiotics or antifungal medications
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Colchicine
• Fibrates
• Niacin
• Rifampin
• Ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir
• Tipranavir plus ritonavir
• Saquinavir plus ritonavir
• Elbasvir plus grazoprevir
• Fosamprenavir
• Nelfinavir
• Darunavir plus ritonavir
• Simeprevir
• Glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir
• Letermovir
• Fosamprenavir plus ritonavir

The dosage of Lipitor (atorvastatin) may vary depending on the individual's medical condition, cholesterol levels, and response to treatment. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by a healthcare professional. Generally, Lipitor is taken orally once daily, with or without food. The medication is available in a film-coated tablet form in the following strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg. The higher the dosage you receive, the greater the effect.

Atorvastatin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. It is important to follow the specific storage instructions provided on the medication packaging and consult your pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Brand-name Lipitor is manufactured by Pfizer.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand-name Lipitor. Some related medications include Rosuvastatin (rosuvastatin), Simvastatin (simvastatin), Fenofibrate (fenofibrate), Pravastatin (pravastatin), and Mevacor (lovastatin).

To stop taking Lipitor, consult your doctor first, as stopping abruptly may increase your cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet or increased exercise, to manage cholesterol without the medication. Never stop or adjust your dose without medical advice to avoid complications.

Lipitor has the potential to harm your baby while you are pregnant. If you discover that you are pregnant while taking Lipitor, stop taking the medication immediately and inform your doctor as soon as you can.

It is recommended that you do not take Lipitor and breastfeed, as there is a risk of disrupting a breastfeeding infant's metabolism of lipids, but it remains unknown whether Lipitor passes into breast milk. Your doctor most likely will have recommendations on what is best for you to feed your baby if you are taking Lipitor.