What is Lipitor (Atorvastin
Calcium)
Lipitor is a medication in one of the newest classes of
cholesterol-lowering medications, called statins. For people with high
cholesterol, Lipitor, in combination with a low-fat diet, can reduce
your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How does Lipitor work
Lipitor works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that your body uses
to make cholesterol. When less cholesterol is produced, the liver
takes up more cholesterol from the bloodstream. This results in lower
levels of cholesterol circulating in your blood.
How to Use Lipitor
Follow the directions for using
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) provided by your doctor. Lipitor may be
taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
at the same time each day.
Lipitor Effects
Lipitor is a very effective
medicine for lowering high LDL cholesterol-the main target of
cholesterol-lowering therapy. Your doctor will determine how much your
LDL cholesterol needs to be lowered, based on your overall risk of
heart disease. Lipitor also effectively lowers high blood-triglyceride
levels.
Lipitor Notes
Most people will require the starting dose, which is a 10 mg tablet
once daily. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you,
which may be 10 mg to 80 mg. Lipitor can be taken any time of the day,
with or without food. To make it easier to remember to take Lipitor
you can plan to take it at the same time each day, such as after you
brush your teeth in the evening. The amount or how often Lipitor is
taken should never be changed without consulting your healthcare
professional.
How long does it take Lipitor to
work
Generally, Lipitor works within 2 weeks. The full effect is usually
seen within 4 weeks and lasts as long as you continue taking it.
Always take Lipitor as directed by your healthcare professional.
Lipitor Precautions
Some people should not take Lipitor. Those with active liver disease
or possible liver problems; women who are pregnant, could possibly
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; and people who are allergic to
any of the ingredients in Lipitor.
AVOID
EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this
medicine.
Lipitor Medication Interactions
If you take Lipitor with certain other medicines, they may affect one
another. Lipitor may interact with certain other cholesterol-lowering
medications, some antibiotics, and antifungal medications. It may also
interact with less-frequently prescribed medications as immunosuppressives (given after transplants). Be sure to tell your
doctor or pharmacist about all and non
medications
you are taking.
Lipitor Side Effects
Lipitor is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild.
In studies, the most common side effects associated with Lipitor were
constipation, flatulence, indigestion, and abdominal pain. If you are
prescribed Lipitor, your healthcare professional may want to conduct
routine blood tests to check your liver function before and after
starting treatment.
Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you have any allergies
to food or medication. Also, report promptly any unexplained muscle
pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by
discomfort or fever, as these symptoms may be signs of serious side
effects
Lipitor Missed Dose
Take Lipitor as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose of Lipitor and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses of Lipitor at once.
How does Lipitor improve the
different types of cholesterol
In medical studies of people with high cholesterol, Lipitor, taken
once a day, had the following effects at doses of 10 to 80 mg:
Lowered total cholesterol by 29-45%.
Lowered LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, by 39-60%.
Increased HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, by 5-9%.
Lowered triglyceride levels by 19-37%.
Lipitor Storage
Keep
Lipitor in the
container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store Lipitor
at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any
Lipitor
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
Lipitor
medication.
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