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Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor)
Generic Name: E: ATORVASTATIN (a-TORE-va-sta-tin)
Common Uses of Atorvastatin
This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Possible Atorvastatin Side Effects
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. This medicine may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this drug and tell your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience joint pain, chest pain, or swelling in the arms or legs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, black stool, or severe stomach pain. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
General Cautions
Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefits of this medicine takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments (e.g., liver function tests, blood cholesterol levels) while you are using this medicine. This drug may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having any kind of surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. For Women: do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this medicine, since it may cause fetal harm. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CONSUMERS
Product data and health claims are for general information purposes only and should not be used as official
medical advice. We strongly advise consumers to consult with their personal physicians on the proper and effective
use of prescription drugs and medications.
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