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Lipitor
Indications:
Atorvastatin, Lipiror, is used with
diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the
amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in the blood.
Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol
in the body. Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood
vessels (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and,
therefore, the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of the
body. Lowering blood levels of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent
heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
Usage:
Atorvastatin comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to
take atorvastatin, take it around the same time every day. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take atorvastatin
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
special precautions:
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tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
atorvastatin or any other medications.
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tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal
products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following:
antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral);
cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin,
Erythrocin); medications that suppress the immune system such as
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); oral contraceptives (birth control
pills); other cholesterol-lowering medications such as fenofibrate (Tricor),
gemfibrozil (Lopid), and niacin (nicotinic acid, Niacor, Niaspan); and
spironolactone (Aldactone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of
your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
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tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol
and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
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tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
atorvastatin, stop taking atorvastatin and call your doctor immediately.
Atorvastatin may harm the fetus.
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if you are having surgery, including dental surgery,
tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking atorvastatin.
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if you have a severe infection, surgery, an injury, low
blood pressure, or seizures while taking atorvastatin, talk to your doctor
about stopping the medication for a while.
side effects:
Atorvastatin may cause side effects.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The
following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call
your doctor immediately:
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muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
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lack of energy or fever
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yellowing of the skin or eyes
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