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Why is Lipitor
prescribed?
Atorvastatin is used, along with a
cholesterol-lowering diet, to help lower
cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the
blood. Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides
helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
How to take Lipitor.
Take this medication by mouth usually once
daily with or without food; or as directed by
your doctor. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to therapy. It
may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit
of this drug takes effect. It is important to
continue taking this medication even if you
feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or
triglycerides do not feel sick.
Lipitor Side effects.
Headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas,
or stomach upset/pain may occur. If any of
these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately
if any of these unlikely but serious side
effects occur: joint pain, muscle pain or
weakness, fever, unusual tiredness, chest pain,
swelling in the arms or legs, dizziness. Tell
your doctor immediately if any of these highly
unlikely but very serious side effects occur:
yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in
the amount of urine, vision problems, black
stool, severe stomach pain. An allergic
reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash,
itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Lipitor Precaution.
This medication is not recommended for use if
you have the following medical conditions:
liver problems. Tell your doctor your medical
history, especially of: heart disease, eye
problems (e.g., cataracts), thyroid problems,
uncontrolled seizures, recent serious
infection, recent major surgery, low blood
pressure, alcohol use, any allergies
(especially to other "statin" drugs). Daily use
of alcohol may increase your chance for serious
side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the
elderly because they may be more sensitive to
the effects of the drug. This medication must
not be used during pregnancy. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform
your doctor immediately. It is recommended that
women of child-bearing age use effective birth
control measures while taking this drug since
atorvastatin may cause fetal harm. This drug
passes into breast milk and may have
undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-
feeding.
buy lipitor Online. Drug
interactions.
This drug is not recommended for use with:
mibefradil, azole antifungals (e.g.,
itraconazole, ketoconazole). Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor
of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially:
cyclosporine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g.,
clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin),
fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, clofibrate),
niacin (nicotinic acid), antacids, digoxin,
birth control pills, nefazodone, protease
inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir),
rifamycins (e.g., rifampin). Do not eat
grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while
using this medication unless your doctor
instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Missed dose.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next
dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
Storage.
Store at room temperature between 56 and 86
degrees F (13 to 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
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