Lipitor

Lipitor General Information

Generic Name: atorvastatin

Brand Name: Lipitor

Lipitor is a cholesterol lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol in the body. Lipitor reduces low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol in the blood By lowering the cholesterol, it will help prevent heart disease andhardening of arteries.These conditions if allowed to happen,can lead to heart attack, stroke et al. Lipitor is uses to treat high cholesterol. Lipitor treats high cholesterol. Lipitor is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complications in people with coronary heartdisease or type 2 diabetes.

Lipitor may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

Lipitor Uses

Do notuse this medicationif you are allergic to it, if there is a case of pregnancyor breast feeding to a new born baby. And last but not the least is if the concerned person is allergic toany drug, and more so -

• If he or she is diabetes
• Underactive thyroid
• Kidney damage
• History of lever disease
• Muscle disorder

However, if the above conditions are present, a dose adjustment of the medication is a must. Special tests are necessary for safe use of Lipitor.

Sine this medication is FDA pregnancy category "x "which means that the medication may cause birthdefects. Do not use Lipitor if you are pregnant. If breast feeding is being done then tell the doctor about it before the medication starts.Children of less than 10 years of age should not use Lipitor

How Take Lipitor

Lipitor should be taken, the way it has been prescribed to an individual. Use of excess quantity and that too for any prolonged period should not be done. One should follow the directions as laid down on the prescription label.

Lipitor should be taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Usually taken once a day. Preferably to be taken at the same time each day. Blood need to be tested on a regular basis. Liver function need to be tested also. No scheduled appointments should be missed

In rare case, Lipitor may cause condition that result in breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This leads to kidney failure. The doctor should be called if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness of muscle, fever, symptoms of flu, and dark colored urine.

One must remember, Lipitor is a part of a program that also include exercise, diet and weight control.

All these should be followed duly for better results. Lipitor must be taken on long term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.

Lipitor Warnings

• There may be kidney failure due tothe breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue
• This medication may cause birth defects. No pregnant women, breast feeding mothersshould take this medication without doctor's specific advice.
• Before taking Lipitor, the doctor should be informed about all the diseases that he is suffering from.
• Avoid high cholesterol and fatty food
• Avoid Alcohol and without doctor's consent no new medication should be started.
• Avoid grapefruit or its juice since it interacts with Lipitor to cause disastrous results.

Lipitor Missed Dose

Any missed dose as soon as remembered should be taken.But, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose may be skipped and the next schedule dose must be taken at the appropriate time. No extra dose to be taken to compensate the missed dose.

Lipitor Side Effects

Emergency medical help to be requested in case of the following allergic reactions:breathing difficulty, hive, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat. However, medication should be stopped and the Doctor should be called if the patient has any of these signs:

Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, fever and /or flu symptoms, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice

There may be less serious side effects like, nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, constipation, stuffy nose, itching, rash, headache.

However, this is not a complete list of side effects and there may be others that may occur.

Lipitor Storage Advice

Lipitor should be stored in room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Lipitor Overdose

One should seek emergency medical attention, if he thinks he has taken overdose of Lipitor. However, an overdose of this medication is not expected to be life threatening.

Lipitor More Information

The pharmacist attached can provide more information about LipitorOne must take additional care to keep the medicines out of reach from children, never share the medicine with others and use the medication only for the indication prescribed.