Atorvastatin
Generic Name:
Atorvastatin - Oral (uh-tor-vuh-STAY-tin)
Common Brand Name(S):
Lipitor
What
Is It Used For?
Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol
and fats in the blood to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
How
Is It Used?
Lipitor may be taken with or without meals, usually once daily.
It may take a few weeks to months before the full effects
of Lipitor are noticed.
Are There Possible
Side Effects?
Overall Lipitor is generally well
tolerated. Diarrhea or constipation or stomach pain may occur.
If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
Unlikely but report:
muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, aches, fever. Very unlikely
but report:
yellowing of eyes or skin, vomiting, vision problems, chest
pain, black stools. In the unlikely event you have an allergic
reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before taking atorvastatin tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease, a severe infection, heart disease, thyroid
problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent major surgery, low
blood pressure, any allergies, other medical problems. If
Lipitor makes you dizzy or lightheaded, use caution driving
or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol
intake as this can damage the liver and cause increased side
effects. Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform
your doctor immediately. Lipitor may be excreted into breast
milk. Because of the possible adverse effects to the infant,
breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
What
About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take, including:
clofibrate, cyclosporine, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, niacin
(nicotinic acid), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole),
antacids (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta), digoxin, birth control pills,
protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir). Do not eat grapefruit
or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you
otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
In case of emergency/overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
What If I miss a
dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not
take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do
not "double-up" the doses.
How Should It Be
Stored?
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (between
20 and 25 degrees C) away from moisture and heat. Do not store
in the bathroom.
NOTE: 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before taking the product. |
