ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet)
Questions
| Reviews 
Side affects of Lipitor
I WISH TO KNOW THE LONG TERM AFFECTS OF TAKING ATORVASTATIN. e.g. 10 YEARS. RECENT RESULTS ON A BLOOD TEST SUGGEST MY LIVER IS NOW A PROBLEM.
by E. FRY in AUSTRALIA, 11/20/2006
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) Drug and Prescription Information
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet)
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) Medication Classification
ATORVASTATIN (By mouth)
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) Brandname
Lipitor
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) is used for the Treatment
Atorvastatin (a-TORE-va-sta-tin) Lowers high levels of cholesterol.
When To Not Use ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet)
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin, or to similar medicines such as cerivastatin (Baycol®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), or simvastatin (Zocor®). You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease.
How Should You Use ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet)
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- You may take the medicine with or without food. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about diet and exercise.
- Never share your medicine with anyone. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Proper ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) Storage
Store ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using birth control pills, cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), erythromycin, gemfibrozil (Lopid®), niacin, or an antibiotic such as fluconazole (Diflucan®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or ketoconazole (Nizoral®).
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) Warnings
- Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a muscle disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you usually drink large amounts of alcohol.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
- Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may need a special diet to keep your cholesterol levels from going up after you stop using the medicine.
ATORVASTATIN (Oral) (Tablet) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps
- Skin rash or hives
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Unexplained fever
- Yellow skin or eyes If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache
- Mild stomach upset, gas, indigestion
