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Lipitor Information
Uses
Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also
known as a "statin") used to lower cholesterol
and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be
used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
How To Use
Follow the directions for using Lipitor provided
by your doctor. Lipitor may be taken on an empty
stomach or with food. Try to take Lipitor at the
same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical
condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting
medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details, since many of the medicines listed in the Before
Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury
when used with Lipitor. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT
OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking Lipitor.
STORE LIPITOR at room temperature between 68 to
77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE
OF LIPITOR, take it as soon as possible. If it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT
take 2 doses at once.
Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Lipitor
include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation,
gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues or is bothersome,
check with your doctor. LIPITOR MAY INFREQUENTLY
cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very
serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking
this drug and tell your doctor immediately if you develop
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with
fever or unusual tiredness). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience joint pain, chest
pain, or swelling in the arms or legs. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellowing eyes
and skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine,
black stool, or severe stomach pain. IF YOU EXPERIENCE
difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of
eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or
hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any
more doses of Lipitor unless your doctor tells
you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.ret
Precautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT
MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS before the full benefits of Lipitor takes effect. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING
LIPITOR even if you feel well. Most people with
high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., liver
function tests, blood cholesterol levels) while you
are using Lipitor. THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS.
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE
THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react
to Lipitor. Using Lipitor alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability
to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
DAILY USE OF ALCOHOL may increase your chance for serious
side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. BEFORE HAVING
ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking
Lipitor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE,
either prescription or over-the-counter, check with
your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING
LIPITOR IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more
sensitive to the side effects of Lipitor. FOR WOMEN:
DO NOT USE LIPITOR if you are pregnant. IF YOU
SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor
immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing
age use effective birth control measures while taking
Lipitor, since it may cause fetal harm. LIPITOR
IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while
taking Lipitor.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects
or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact
with each other.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes
FOR BEST RESULTS, Lipitor should be used along
with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a
weight loss program if you are overweight. Consult with
your doctor. DO NOT SHARE LIPITOR with others
for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE LIPITOR
for other health conditions. KEEP LIPITOR out
of the reach of children and pets. IF USING LIPITOR
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before
your supply runs out.
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