Drug Uses

Lipitor is a medicine used to reduce cholesterol and fatty substances in the blood. The usage of Lipitor is usually combined with some kind of a diet which restricts the intake of cholesterol and fat. Cholesterol and fats accumulates on the walls of the blood vessels. This decrease the flow of blood and the oxygen supply to the heart, brain and other parts of the body. Reduced levels of cholesterol and fats in the blood may help to prevent from heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes and heart attacks.

How Taken

Lipitor is in the form of a tablet and is taken orally once a day, with or without food. It may be a good idea to take the pills at the same time every day. Your doctor may prescribe you a lower dose at the beginning and increase it gradually. Do not stop the intake of Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not stop using the medicine without a consultation with your doctor. Follow a diet which restricts cholesterol and fats.

Warnings/Precautions

Consult your doctor before taking Lipitor in case you have liver disease. Inform your doctor if you have a chronic muscular disease, require major surgery, or have a blood disorder. If you suffer from any of these diseases, you may not be able to use Lipitor or your dose may have to be adjusted, or you may have to be monitored regularly during the treatment. Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or may get pregnant because it falls into the FDA pregnancy category X which means the drug is known to cause defects to a fetus. Consult your doctor if you are breast feeding because it is not clear if Lipitor passes into breast milk.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the drug as soon as you remember. If it is already time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the scheduled one. Do no take a double dose unless your doctor advised you so.

Possible Side Effects

Lipitor does not commonly cause side effects but they can occur. Inform your doctor if the following side effects worsen or do not disappear:
-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

Lipitor should be kept in its original container, away from children and tightly closed. Keep the medicine away from heat and moisture, and throw it away if you do not need it anymore.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, immediately search for medical help. The symptoms of an overdose are not known.

More Information

Alcohol and Lipitor can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. 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

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.