Indications for Generic Lipitor
Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium is medication which is used to lower the level
of cholesterol in the blood. It works through eliminating and limiting the production
of the harmful LDL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Lipitor is usually prescribed as a part of a comprehensive program for the
effective treatment of high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in the body,
especially if the patient has been unable to lower cholesterol readings through
diet alone.
Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium can also be prescribed to lower the chances
of a heart attack or other heart diseases in patients who: smoke, have high
blood pressure; have a personal or a family history of heart disease; have low
levels of HDL or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; or are over 55 years
old.
Lipitor may also be prescribed for other conditions and purposes not listed
here.
Important Information about Generic Lipitor
Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium should only be prescribed if diet, weight loss
and exercise are unable to lower your cholesterol levels.
It is important to note that Lipitor is a supplement and not a substitute for
the other methods of cholesterol reduction. In order to get the full benefit
from the medication, it would be necessary to follow the diet and exercise guidelines
given to you by your physician.
There are some medical conditions which could be aggravated with the use of
Lipitor. Make sure to tell your doctor of any special medical conditions that
you have especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease
or diabetes. Your dose might have to be changed or adjusted.
You should not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Make
sure to inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are nursing.
You should not take Lipitor if you have an allergy to atorvastatin calcium
or to similar drugs.
Before taking Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium, your doctor may require you
to have a blood test so that you liver function could be checked. You may also
need to be tested regularly. This is because Lipitor could potentially cause
liver damage.
Lipitor has also been known to cause muscle tissue damage so make sure that
you would be informing your doctor right away if you begin experiencing unexplained
muscle tenderness, muscle pain or muscle weakness or if you develop a fever.
You may be required to take a blood test to check if you have muscle tissue
damage.
You may also be advised to temporarily stop taking Lipitor for a couple of
days if will be having a major surgery.
If you are taking any other drugs or medications, tell your doctor to ensure
that they would not interact with Lipitor, particularly if you are taking antacids,
clofibrate, digoxin, cyclosporine, drugs which weaken the immune system, fenofibrate,
erythromycin, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, ketoconazole, itraconazole, oral contraceptives
and niacin.
Dosage and Administration of Generic Lipitor
Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium should only be taken exactly as it has been
prescribed for you by your physician. Do not take more than the recommended
dosage or take it for a longer period of time without asking your doctor first.
Lipitor should be taken once daily, with or without meals. You could take it
either in the morning or in the evening, but make sure that it would be at the
same time every day.
Lipitor generally starts to work within two weeks.
Lipitor can also be prescribed with other lipid-lowering drugs such as colestipol
or cholestyramine; however, you need to remember that you should avoid taking
both of them at the same time during the day. You could take Lipitor about an
hour before or four hours after taking the other prescribed drug.
If you miss a dose, make sure that you take it once you remember but if the
next dose is almost up, you could just skip the missed one altogether and then
just take the next regularly scheduled dose. Never double your dose to make
up for a dose that you missed.
Possible Side Effects of Generic Lipitor
Some of the side effects which can be experienced while taking Lipitor or atorvastatin
calcium would include abnormal heart rate, abdominal pain, arthritis, chest
pain, constipation, back pain, bronchitis, dizziness, diarrhea, flu symptoms,
gas, fluid retention, indigestion, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, indigestion,
insomnia, muscle weakness, rash, nausea, urinary tract infection and stomach
pain. These are usually only temporary and should go away without any intervention;
however, if they worsen in intensity or you start experiencing more serious
side effects, seek medical assistance right away.
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