COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lipitor
GENERIC NAME(S): ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM
Description: Atorvastatin induces the LDL receptors and stimulation of LDL catabolism, leading to lowered LDL-cholesterol levels.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lipitor
GENERIC NAME(S): ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM
Description: Atorvastatin induces the LDL receptors and stimulation of LDL catabolism, leading to lowered LDL-cholesterol levels.
Along with a proper diet and physical activity, Atorvastatin is a “statin” used to help lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. It helps decrease the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
How to use Atorvastatin
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit while using this medication because grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Cholestyramine or colestipol can react with atorvastatin, preventing its full absorption. Take atorvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications.
It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Some people may experience mild memory problems or confusion, or cause or worsen diabetes, muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy (muscle pain/tenderness/weakness especially with fever), liver problems (yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting). If these rare effects occur, report to your doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor if you experience allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of the face/throat, trouble breathing) or symptoms mentioned above.
Precautions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.
Inform your doctors or dentist of the medications you’re taking before having surgery or dental procedures.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.
Atorvastatin may harm an unborn baby so this medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you are suspecting that you are pregnant, consult your doctor. For breastfeeding women, consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Interactions
Some products that may interact with this drug include: gemfibrozil, telaprevir, tipranavir plus ritonavir.
Medications that can affect the removal of atorvastatin from your body include colchicine, telithromycin, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), among others.
Taking atorvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.
Overdose
Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.
Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next does is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Storage: Store medication in room temperature. Do not expose to light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from pets and children. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into a drain.
Brands
Available Brands
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