The following Lipitor Information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of Lipitor is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
What is Lipitor - Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin 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, Atorvastatin, in combination with a low-fat diet, can reduce your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How does Atorvastatin improve the different types of cholesterol?
In medical studies of people with high cholesterol, Atorvastatin, 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%.
How does Atorvastatin work?
Atorvastatin 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.
Lipitor - Atorvastatin is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood.
Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
How long does it take Atorvastatin to work?
Generally, Atorvastatin works within 2 weeks. The full effect is usually seen within 4 weeks and lasts as long as you continue taking it.
What are some of the effects of Lipitor - Atorvastatin tablets?
Atorvastatin 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. Atorvastatin also effectively lowers high blood-triglyceride levels.
What would I need to know about taking Atorvastatin?
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.
Atorvastatin can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. To make it easier to remember to take Atorvastatin 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 Atorvastatin is taken should never be changed without consulting your healthcare professional.
What should I doif I miss a dose of Lipitor?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Who should not take Atorvastatin tablets?
Some people should not take Atorvastatin. 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. The most common side effects associated with Atorvastatin were constipation, flatulence, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
How to store Lipitor: Lipitor should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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