Lipitor

Lipitor

     * Generic Name: atorvastatin calcium
     * Brand Name: Lipitor


     * What is atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * How should I take atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Lipitor)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Lipitor)?
     * What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * What other drugs will affect atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
     * Where can I get more information (Lipitor)?

What is atorvastatin (Lipitor)?

   Atorvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase
   inhibitors, or "statins." Atorvastatin reduces levels of "bad"
   cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and
   triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good"
   cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

   Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk
   of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people
   with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk
   factors.

   Atorvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years
   old.

   Atorvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
   breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
   Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
   tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
   tiredness, and dark colored urine.

   Also call your doctor at once if you have:
     * pain or burning when you urinate;
     * liver problems--upper stomach pain, weakness, tired feeling,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of
       the skin or eyes); or
     * kidney problems--little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or
       ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

   Common side effects may include:
     * joint pain;
     * stuffy nose, sore throat;
     * diarrhea; or
     * pain in your arms or legs.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin
(Lipitor)?

   You should not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding,
   or if you have liver disease.

   Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you
   become pregnant.

   Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used
   together with atorvastatin. Tell each of your healthcare providers
   about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop
   using.

   In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
   breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call
   your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness,
   or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and
   dark colored urine.

   Lipitor Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels

   Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
   Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease

   Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   High Cholesterol Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin
(Lipitor)?

   You should not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * liver disease; or
     * if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

   This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do
   not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking atorvastatin and tell your
   doctor right away if you become pregnant Use effective birth control to
   prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.

   Atorvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby.
   Do not breast-feed while you are taking atorvastatin.

   To make sure atorvastatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   ever had:
     * liver problems;
     * muscle pain or weakness;
     * kidney disease;
     * diabetes;
     * a thyroid disorder; or
     * if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

   Atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
   skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may
   be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney
   disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

   Atorvastatin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years
   old.

How should I take atorvastatin (Lipitor)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take
   the medicine at the same time each day.

   Do not break an atorvastatin tablet before taking it.

   You may need to stop using atorvastatin for a short time if you have:
     * uncontrolled seizures;
     * an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium
       levels in your blood);
     * severely low blood pressure;
     * a severe infection or illness; or
     * surgery or a medical emergency.

   It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and
   you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in
   your symptoms, but keep using the medication as directed. Your blood
   work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with
   atorvastatin.

   Atorvastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also
   include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your
   doctor's instructions very closely.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Lipitor Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels

   Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
   Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease

   Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   High Cholesterol Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Lipitor)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine
   to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Lipitor)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor)?

   Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin
   will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not
   follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may
   increase your risk of liver damage.

   Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and
   lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter
   of grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin.

What other drugs will affect atorvastatin (Lipitor)?

   Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems,
   and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of
   them. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you
   start or stop using, especially:
     * antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
     * birth control pills;
     * cholesterol-lowering medication;
     * heart medication; or
     * medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with atorvastatin,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Lipitor)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about atorvastatin.
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