Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

• Before starting to take Lipitor, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider.
• Take Lipitor by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using Lipitor unless your healthcare provider approves. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine.
• If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Lipitor at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications to prevent interaction
• Take Lipitor regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
• Continue to follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet and exercise, as it is essential for the full benefit of this drug. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of Lipitor.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Muscle and joint pain
• Changes in some blood tests
• Pain in bones, spine, joints, or muscles
• Trouble sleeping
• Stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat
• Pain in arms or legs

Serious Side Effects:

• Chest tightness
• Cough
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever
• Hives, itching, skin rash
• Muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• Chills
• Liver problems
• Muscle problems that can lead to kidney failure
• Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM)

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance. Additionally, if you experience any serious side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

Atorvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. In addition, consult a healthcare provider to determine if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Advanced age (65 years) is a risk factor for Lipitor-associated myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Dose selection for elderly patients should be cautious, and all patients with renal impairment should be monitored for the development of myopathy.

Lipitor is a substrate of CYP3A4 and transporters, and its plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration. Consider hepatic impairment when using Lipitor.

Lipitor should not be used if you are allergic to it, have liver failure or cirrhosis, or have certain medical conditions such as muscle pain or weakness, diabetes, stroke, thyroid disorder, or kidney disease.

Lipitor can interact with various drugs, including cholesterol medication niacin, gout drug colchicine, tuberculosis drug rifampin, heart drug digoxin, and birth control pills. Consult a healthcare provider for more information about these interactions.

The information provided here is not exhaustive. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.