Atorvastatin Information:

Lipitor (Generic name: Atorvastatin Calcium) is a cholesterol medication used to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood. Meanwhile, it raises levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL). Atorvastatin Calcium works by reducing cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Lipitor is for adults and children over 10 whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), stroke, and vascular disease. Take Lipitor exactly as it was prescribed for you.

Atorvastatin Side Effects:

The most common Lipitor side effects are constipation, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, nausea, nasal congestion, rash, stomach upset, vomiting and urinary tract infection. If you are experiencing any severe side effects such as chest pain, fever or flu symptoms, muscle pain, skin rash, swelling in the legs or arms, tenderness, unusual weakness and serious allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the lips, throat or tongue), please inform your doctor immediately.

Atorvastatin Precautions:

Do NOT take Lipitor oral if you are allergic to Atorvastatin or to any of the ingredients in Lipitor medication. Do NOT take Lipitor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have had any medical conditions such as diabetes, muscle problems, underactive thyroid, liver or kidney disease. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you use. They may interact with Lipitor drug, especially if you take medicines for: birth control, cholesterol, heart failures, HIV or AIDS, medicines for infections or the immune system such as cancer drugs. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Atorvastatin Lipitor. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects.