LIPITOR (atorvastatin) 40mg x 30s Tablets
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Price: $69.00
Product ID : lipitor_40mg
Manufacturer: PFIZER
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Description
Generic name: Atorvastatin calcium
Brand names: Lipitorm Atorlip,
Patient Education - English
- Generic Name: atorvastatin
- Pronounced: a TOR va sta tin
- Brand Name: Lipitor
What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin?
You should not take atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.
Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Before taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
There are many other drugs that can increase your risk of serious medical problems if you take them together with atorvastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Atorvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
What is atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Atorvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Atorvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
Atorvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin?
You should not take atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
- history of liver disease;
- history of kidney disease;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them:
- diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), or fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide);
- antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin);
- antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal);
- HIV medications such as atazanavir (Reyataz), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), and others;
- medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others); or
- drugs that weaken your immune system, such as steroids, cancer medicine, or medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf).
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are taking atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking atorvastatin.
How should I take atorvastatin?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Do not break an atorvastatin tablet. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill
You may need to stop using atorvastatin for a short time if you have:
- uncontrolled seizures;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
- severely low blood pressure;
- a severe infection or illness; or
- surgery or a medical emergency.
To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
Atorvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
You may need to take atorvastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.
What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking atorvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
- fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
- swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or
- nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild muscle pain;
- diarrhea; or
- mild nausea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect atorvastatin?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
- birth control pills;
- cimetidine (Tagamet);
- digoxin (Lanoxin);
- efavirenz (Sustiva, Atripla);
- rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate);
- spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide); or
- any other "statin" medication such as amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), o simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with atorvastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about atorvastatin.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Pill Pictures
 Lipitor (atorvastatin) 10 mg
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 Lipitor (atorvastatin) 40 mg
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 Lipitor (atorvastatin) 80 mg
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 Lipitor (atorvastatin) 20 mg
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Why is Lipitor prescribed?
Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Your doctor may prescribe it along with a special diet if your blood cholesterol or triglyceride level is high and you have been unable to lower your readings by diet alone. The drug works by helping to clear harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol out of the blood and by limiting the body's ability to form new LDL cholesterol.
Your doctor may prescribe Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or developing heart disease if you have any of the following risk factors:
are age 55 years or older
smoke
have high blood pressure
have low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein—the good cholesterol)
have a family history of early heart disease
For people at high risk of heart disease, the doctor may suggest a cholesterol-lowering medication if LDL readings are 130 or more. For those at low risk, a medication is considered at readings of 190 or more.
Most important fact about Lipitor or (atorvastatin)
Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important to remember that Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) is a supplement—not a substitute—for those other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important because they may lower your risk of heart disease.
How should you take Lipitor or (atorvastatin)?
Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) should be taken once a day, with or without food. You can take it in the morning or the evening, but should hold to the same time each day. The drug generally begins working within 2 weeks.
For an even greater cholesterol-lowering effect, your doctor may prescribe Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) along with a different kind of lipid-lowering drug such as cholestyramine or colestipol. It's important to avoid taking the two drugs at the same time of day. Take Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after the other drug.
- If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
- Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin).
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, accidental injury, allergic reaction, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flu symptoms, fluid retention, gas, headache, indigestion, infection, inflammation of sinus and nasal passages, insomnia, joint pain, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach pain, urinary tract infection, weakness
Why should Lipitor or (atorvastatin) not be prescribed?
Never take Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should also avoid Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) if you have liver disease, or if the drug gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Lipitor or (atorvastatin)
There is a slight chance of liver damage from Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin), so your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver function before you start taking the drug, again 12 weeks after you begin therapy or your dosage is increased, and periodically thereafter. If the tests reveal a problem, you may have to stop using the drug.
Drugs like Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) have occasionally been known to damage muscle tissue, so be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage.
If you are scheduled for major surgery, your doctor will have you stop taking Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) a few days before the operation.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lipitor or (atorvastatin)
If you take Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) with any of the following:
Antacids
Clofibrate
Colestipol
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Drugs that suppress the immune system
Erythromycin
Fenofibrate
Fluconazole
Gemfibrozil
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Niacin
Oral contraceptives
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Developing babies need plenty of cholesterol, so this cholesterol-lowering drug should never be used during pregnancy. In fact, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) if there is even a chance that you may become pregnant. If you do conceive while taking Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin), notify your doctor right away. Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) does make its way into breast milk, so you should not take the drug while breastfeeding your baby.
Recommended dosage for Lipitor
You need to follow a standard cholesterol-lowering diet before starting Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin), and should continue following it throughout your therapy.
ADULTS
The recommended starting dose is 10 or 20 milligrams once a day. (The doctor may start with 40 milligrams daily if your LDL levels need to be reduced by more than 45 percent.) The doctor will check your cholesterol levels every 2 to 4 weeks and adjust the dose accordingly. The maximum recommended daily dose is 80 milligrams.
CHILDREN 10 to 17 YEARS OLD
The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams once a day. The dosage may be increased after 4 weeks, as determined by the doctor, up to a maximum of 20 milligrams a day. Girls must be having regular menstrual cycles before starting therapy with Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin).
The safety and effectiveness of Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) in children under 10 years old or in doses greater than 20 milligrams a day have not been studied.
Overdosage
Although no specific information about Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin) overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Lipitor or it's generic equivalent (atorvastatin), seek medical attention.
Product Reviews
10/11/2010 - 11:59:16 PM
Lipitor Review
I purchased and received it in 8 days and I was happily surprised that it was actual brand product and I saved over $210.00 buying 90 tablets of the 40mg Lipitor from you guys! Thanks and I'll surely order from you guys again.
10mg.x30.jpg "Zetia (Ezetrol),10mg x30tab")
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