Lipitor
Lipitor belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or “statins.”
Lipitor is used together with diet to lower blood levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Lipitor 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 such as genetically high cholesterol.
Lipitor is for use in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
Important information
You should not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, if you have liver disease, or if you have had an allergic reaction to Lipitor in the past.
Stop taking Lipitor and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Lipitor. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
Atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead 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, or dark colored urine.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Lipitor starts to work in about 2 weeks. Lipitor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
