Lipitor Uses
Lipitor is a prescription medication and is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in the blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries 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, strokes, and heart attacks.
How Taken
Lipitor is usually taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. To help you remember to take Lipitor, take it around the same time every day. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of and gradually increase your dose of Lipitor.
Continue to take Lipitor even if you begin to feel well. Do not stop taking Lipitor without talking to your doctor. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Lipitor without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
Before using Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have a chronic muscular disease, require major surgery, or have a blood disorder.
You may not be able to take Lipitor, or you may require a different dosage or need special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Lipitor is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Lipitor is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Lipitor passes into breast milk. Do not take Lipitor without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled Lipitor dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Although side effects from Lipitor are uncommon, 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.
Storage
Keep Lipitor in the container it came in, tightly closed, and keep out of reach of children. Store Lipitor at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture, do not store 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.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of Lipitor is suspected. The symptoms of an overdose of Lipitor are not known.
More Lipitor Information
Alcohol and Lipitor can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation while taking Lipitor. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Lipitor. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of Lipitor. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
