Generic Lipitor

Lipitor, which is generically prescribed as atorvastatin, is commonly used to treat reduce fats, cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotien in the blood to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by reducing the risk of the hardening of the arteries. Lipitor is a member of the family of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors.

Lipitor is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes a chronic muscular disease, heavy drinking, blood disorder, or a recent major surgery may not be able to take Lipitor or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition. Patients with liver disease can not take Lipitor.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated this medication as a pregnancy risk category X, which means it will nearly definitely cause birth defects when taken during a pregnancy. It has yet to be determined whether or not Lipitor will pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should never prescribe this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman, or to women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Lipitor, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical care include symptoms such as unexplained muscle pain or weakness, flu like symptoms, dark urine, clay colored stools, abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained fatigue, blurry vision, decrease in urine production, or rust colored urine.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as headache, upset stomach, gas, or rash. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Lipitor.

Lipitor should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms which include stomach problems, abdominal pain, and possibly serious skin rash. The effects of an overdose are not well known.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Lipitor. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Lipitor include cyclosporine, niacin, gemfibrozil, erythromycin, cholestyramine, hormonal birth controls, and antifungal medications. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Lipitor. Patients should not increase their usual dietary intake of grapefruit or grapefruit juice after starting Lipitor.