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. Atorvastatin calcium is sometimes
prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
How
should Lipitor be used?
Atorvastatin calcium comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually
is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you
do not understand. Take Lipitor exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
Atorvastatin calcium without talking to your doctor.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Lipitor or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially antacids; antifungal medications
such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); digoxin
(Lanoxin); erythromycin; medications that suppress the immune system
such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); oral contraceptives (birth
control pills); other cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine
(Questran), colestipol (Colestid), gemfibrozil (Lopid), and niacin
(nicotinic acid); and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney
disease, a severe infection, low blood pressure, or seizures.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Lipitor,
stop taking Lipitor and call your doctor immediately. Lipitor can
harm the fetus.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Atorvastatin calcium.
talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking this
drug. Alcohol increases the side effects caused by Atorvastatin
calcium.
-- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and
to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Lipitor
may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Lipitor cause?
Although side effects from Lipitor 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
What storage conditions are needed for Lipitor?
Keep Atorvastatin calcium in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment
to check your response to Lipitor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have.
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