What is LIPITOR® (Atorvastin Calcium)?
LIPITOR® is a prescription drug in one of the newest classes of cholesterol-lowering
medications, called statins. These drugs have been used widely for the last
five years. For people with high cholesterol, LIPITOR®, in combination
with a low-fat diet, can reduce your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How does LIPITOR® work?
LIPITOR® works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that your body uses to
make cholesterol. When less cholesterol is produced, the liver takes up more
cholesterol from the bloodstream. This results in lower levels of cholesterol
circulating in your blood.
How does LIPITOR® improve the different types of cholesterol?
In medical studies of people with high cholesterol, LIPITOR®, taken once
a day, had the following effects at doses of 10 to 80 mg:
Lowered total cholesterol by 29-45%.
Lowered LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, by 39-60%.
Increased HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, by 5-9%.
Lowered triglyceride levels by 19-37%.
What are the effects of LIPITOR® tablets?
LIPITOR® is a very effective medicine for lowering high LDL cholesterol—the
main target of cholesterol-lowering therapy. Your doctor will determine how
much your LDL cholesterol needs to be lowered, based on your overall risk
of heart disease. LIPITOR® also effectively lowers high blood-triglyceride
levels.
What would I need to know about taking LIPITOR®?
Most people will require the starting dose, which is a 10 mg tablet once
daily. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you, which
may be 10 mg to 80 mg. LIPITOR® can be taken any time of the day, with
or without food. To make it easier to remember to take LIPITOR® you
can plan to take it at the same time each day, such as after you brush
your teeth in the evening. The amount or how often LIPITOR® is taken
should never be changed without consulting your healthcare professional.
How long does it take LIPITOR® to work?
Generally, LIPITOR® works within 2 weeks. The full effect is usually
seen within 4 weeks and lasts as long as you continue taking it. Always take
LIPITOR® as directed by your healthcare professional.
Who should not take LIPITOR® tablets?
Some people should not take LIPITOR®. Those with active liver disease
or possible liver problems; women who are pregnant, could possibly become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding; and people who are allergic to any of the
ingredients in LIPITOR®.
Does LIPITOR® interact with any other drugs?
If you take LIPITOR® with certain other medicines, they may affect one
another. LIPITOR® may interact with certain other cholesterol-lowering
drugs, some antibiotics, and antifungal medications. It may also interact
with less-frequently prescribed medications as immunosuppressives (given
after transplants). Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription
and nonprescription drugs you are taking.
What about side effects?
LIPITOR® is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild.
In studies, the most common side effects associated with LIPITOR® were
constipation, flatulence, indigestion, and abdominal pain. If you are prescribed
LIPTOR®, your healthcare professional may want to conduct routine blood
tests to check your liver function before and after starting treatment.
Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you have any allergies to
food or medication. Also, report promptly any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness,
or weakness, particularly if accompanied by discomfort or fever, as these
symptoms may be signs of serious side effects.
Can I split the tablet?
No, the tablet should not be split. It is not designed to be split and cannot
be divided evenly to make two doses of equal strength. Your doctor should
be able to prescribe tablets in a dose that will make splitting tablets
unnecessary.
For additional information about taking LIPITOR® along with other medicines,
see your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience side effects, be sure to
tell your doctor or other healthcare professional.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others, since
they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice.
Be sure to contact your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider
for more information about this medication.
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