LIPITOR




BRAND NAMES
HMG-CoA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS ATORVASTATIN- Caduet, Lipitor FLUVASTATIN- Lescol, Lescol XL LOVASTATIN- Advicor, Altocor, Mevacor, Mevinolin
PRAVASTATIN- Eptastatin, Pravachol, Pravigard PAC ROSUVASTATIN- Creator
SIMVASTATIN- Synvinolin, Vytorin, Zocor


BASIC LIPITOR INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Antihyperllpidemic


LIPITOR MEDICAL USES
Lipitor Lowers blood cholesterol levels caused by low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in persons who haven't improved by exercising, dieting or using other measures and raises high density lipoproteins (HDL-C).

- Lipitor should be used in combination with a low-fat diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease and high cholesterol levels.

- Reduces risk of heart attacks and strokes in certain patients.

- Lowers triglyceride levels.


MEDICAL DOSAGE & LIPITOR USAGE
How to take Lipitor:

-Tablet or capsule: Swallow Lipitor with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble Lipitor tablet and take with liquid or food.

-Extended release tablet: Swallow with liquid. Do not crush or chew tablet.


When to take Lipitor:

- According to directions on prescription.


If you forget a Lipitor dose:

- Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).


What Lipitor does:

- Inhibits an enzyme in the liver.


Time lapse before drug works:

- 2 to 4 weeks.


Don't take with:

- A high-fat diet.

- Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.


LIPITOR OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS: None expected.
LIPITOR SIDE EFFECTS

Life-threatening: None expected.

Common Lipitor Side Effects:

None expected.

Infrequent Lipitor Side Effects: 

Aching muscles, fever, blurred vision. Constipation, nausea, dizziness, skin rash, headache, diarrhea, heartburn.

Rare Lipitor Side Effects: 

Muscle or stomach pain, unusual tiredness or weakness. Impotence, insomnia.
PRECAUTIONS

Don't take LIPITOR if:

- You are allergic to any HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.


Before you start LIPITOR, consult your doctor if:

- You take immunosuppressive drugs, particularly following an organ transplant.

- You have low blood pressure.

- You have hormone abnormalities. 

- You have an active infection.

- You have active liver disease.

- You have a seizure disorder.

- You have a history of alcohol abuse.

- You have had recent surgery.


Over age 60:

- Likely to be more sensitive to drug's side effects.


Pregnancy:

- Consult doctor.


Breast-feeding:

- Discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.

- Consult doctor for advice about milk supply.


Infants & children:

- Not recommended for children.


Prolonged use:

- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, serum cholesterol, eyes.


Skin & sunlight:

- No problems expected.


Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

- No special problems expected.


Discontinuing:

- Don't discontinue without consulting doctor.

- Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time.

- Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.


Others:  

- Request liver function tests and eye examinations before beginning this medicine and repeat every 2 to 6 months.

- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine. 

- Cholesterol lowering drugs may cause muscle problems or rhabdomyolysis (muscle injury).

- If you develop persistent muscle aches, pain or weakness or urine turns dark, call the doctor right away.

- Use an effective form of birth control while taking this drug.

- Notify your doctor right away if you do become pregnant.





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