Lipitor Interactions: A Comprehensive Guide to Drug, Food, and Disease Interactions
What are the major drug interactions with Lipitor. How does Lipitor interact with alcohol and food. What disease interactions should you be aware of when taking Lipitor. How can you minimize the risk of Lipitor interactions.
Understanding Lipitor and Its Potential Interactions
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a widely prescribed medication used to treat high cholesterol and reduce heart-related risks in adults. As with any medication, it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions that can occur when taking Lipitor. These interactions can involve other drugs, alcohol, food, or certain health conditions. Understanding these interactions is essential for ensuring the safe and effective use of Lipitor.
Drug Interactions with Lipitor: What You Need to Know
Lipitor is known to interact with a significant number of medications. According to the Drugs.com interaction checker, there are 358 drugs that can potentially interact with Lipitor. These interactions are categorized based on their severity:
- 44 major interactions
- 280 moderate interactions
- 34 minor interactions
Major interactions are considered highly clinically significant and should generally be avoided. Moderate interactions are also clinically significant and usually require careful consideration before combining medications. Minor interactions are typically less concerning but should still be monitored.
Common Medications That Interact with Lipitor
Some of the most frequently checked drug interactions with Lipitor include:
- Amlodipine
- Aspirin
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Furosemide
- Gabapentin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Levothyroxine
- Lisinopril
- Metformin
Is it safe to take Lipitor with these medications? The answer depends on the specific interaction and your individual health circumstances. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining Lipitor with other medications.
Alcohol and Food Interactions with Lipitor
While drug interactions are often the primary concern, it’s also important to consider how Lipitor may interact with alcohol and certain foods. The interaction checker indicates that there are 2 alcohol/food interactions with Lipitor.
Lipitor and Alcohol
Can you drink alcohol while taking Lipitor? Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe for most people taking Lipitor. However, excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of liver problems, which is already a potential side effect of Lipitor. It’s best to discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to determine what’s safe for you.
Lipitor and Grapefruit
One well-known food interaction with Lipitor involves grapefruit and grapefruit juice. These can significantly increase the concentration of Lipitor in your bloodstream, potentially leading to increased side effects. How much grapefruit is safe to consume while taking Lipitor? It’s generally recommended to avoid grapefruit altogether or limit consumption to very small amounts. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Disease Interactions: When Lipitor May Not Be Suitable
Certain health conditions can affect how Lipitor works in your body or increase the risk of side effects. The interaction checker lists 5 disease interactions with Lipitor:
- Liver disease
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Cognitive impairment
- Diabetes
- Renal disease
Why are these disease interactions important? For example, Lipitor can potentially worsen liver function in people with existing liver disease. Similarly, people with diabetes may experience changes in blood sugar levels when taking Lipitor. Your doctor will carefully consider these factors when deciding whether Lipitor is appropriate for you.
Contraindications: When Lipitor Should Not Be Used
In some cases, the risks of taking Lipitor may outweigh the benefits. These situations are known as contraindications. The main contraindications for Lipitor include:
- Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Why is Lipitor contraindicated during pregnancy? Cholesterol is essential for fetal development, and the potential risks to the fetus outweigh the benefits of Lipitor for the mother during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Lipitor, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider immediately.
Minimizing the Risk of Lipitor Interactions
While the number of potential interactions with Lipitor may seem overwhelming, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk:
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking
- Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor
- Be aware of potential food interactions, particularly with grapefruit
- Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider promptly
- Have regular check-ups and blood tests as recommended by your doctor
How often should you have your liver function tested while taking Lipitor? Your doctor will typically recommend liver function tests before starting Lipitor and periodically thereafter, usually at 12-week intervals for the first year of treatment.
The Importance of Professional Medical Advice
While resources like online interaction checkers can provide valuable information, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual can be difficult to determine without considering the full medical context.
Why is it crucial to consult your healthcare provider about potential Lipitor interactions? Your doctor has access to your complete medical history and can make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances. They can weigh the potential risks and benefits of different treatment options and make appropriate recommendations.
Managing Lipitor Interactions in Special Populations
Certain groups of people may require special consideration when it comes to managing Lipitor interactions:
Elderly Patients
Older adults may be more susceptible to drug interactions due to age-related changes in how the body processes medications. They may also be more likely to be taking multiple medications, increasing the risk of interactions.
Patients with Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can affect how the body eliminates medications, potentially altering the effects of Lipitor and increasing the risk of interactions.
Patients with a History of Muscle Problems
Lipitor and other statins can cause muscle-related side effects. Patients with a history of muscle problems may need closer monitoring for potential interactions that could exacerbate these issues.
How should these special populations approach Lipitor therapy? It’s essential for these patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop an appropriate treatment plan and monitoring schedule.
Future Directions in Understanding Lipitor Interactions
As medical research continues to advance, our understanding of drug interactions is constantly evolving. New studies may uncover previously unknown interactions or provide more detailed information about known interactions.
What developments can we expect in the field of drug interactions? Some areas of ongoing research include:
- Pharmacogenomics: Studying how genetic factors influence individual responses to medications
- Advanced computer modeling: Using artificial intelligence to predict potential drug interactions
- Real-world data analysis: Studying large-scale patient data to identify patterns and potential interactions
These advancements may lead to more personalized approaches to managing drug interactions in the future, potentially improving the safety and efficacy of medications like Lipitor.
The Role of Patient Education in Managing Lipitor Interactions
Empowering patients with knowledge about their medications is crucial for managing potential interactions effectively. Healthcare providers play a key role in this education process, but patients can also take proactive steps to stay informed.
How can patients educate themselves about Lipitor interactions? Some strategies include:
- Reading the medication guide provided with your prescription
- Asking your pharmacist questions about potential interactions
- Using reputable online resources to research your medications
- Keeping a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Participating in patient support groups or educational programs
By staying informed and engaged in their healthcare, patients can play an active role in minimizing the risks associated with Lipitor interactions.
Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Lipitor
While the potential for interactions with Lipitor may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that this medication has been proven effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events for many patients.
How do healthcare providers weigh the benefits of Lipitor against the potential risks? Factors that are typically considered include:
- The patient’s overall cardiovascular risk
- The presence of other medical conditions
- Other medications the patient is taking
- The patient’s personal preferences and concerns
In many cases, the benefits of Lipitor in preventing heart disease and stroke outweigh the potential risks of interactions, especially when these interactions are carefully managed.
Navigating the Complexities of Lipitor Interactions
Understanding and managing Lipitor interactions is a complex but essential aspect of using this medication safely and effectively. While the number of potential interactions may seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that many of these interactions can be managed successfully with proper medical supervision.
What’s the key takeaway for patients taking Lipitor? Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. Be sure to inform them about all medications, supplements, and lifestyle factors that could potentially interact with Lipitor. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help catch any potential issues early and ensure that you’re getting the maximum benefit from your treatment while minimizing risks.
By staying informed, following medical advice, and actively participating in your healthcare, you can navigate the complexities of Lipitor interactions and work towards achieving your health goals. Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you in this journey, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns about your medication regimen.
Lipitor Interactions Checker – Drugs.com
Save
There are 358 drugs known to interact with
Lipitor (atorvastatin), along with
5 disease interactions, and 2 alcohol/food interactions.
Of the total drug interactions,
44 are major, 280 are moderate, and 34 are minor.
Does Lipitor interact with my other drugs?
Enter other medications to view a detailed report.
- View all 358 medications that may interact with Lipitor
- View Lipitor alcohol/food interactions (2)
- View Lipitor disease interactions (5)
Most frequently checked interactions
View interaction reports for Lipitor (atorvastatin) and the medicines listed below.
- Major
- Moderate
- Minor
- Unknown
- amlodipine
- aspirin
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- furosemide
- gabapentin
- hydrochlorothiazide
- Lasix (furosemide)
- levothyroxine
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- lisinopril
- losartan
- metformin
- metoprolol
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Norvasc (amlodipine)
- omeprazole
- Plavix (clopidogrel)
- prednisone
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- tramadol
- trazodone
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
Lipitor alcohol/food interactions
There are 2 alcohol/food interactions with Lipitor (atorvastatin).
Lipitor disease interactions
There are 5 disease interactions with Lipitor (atorvastatin) which include:
- liver disease
- rhabdomyolysis
- cognitive impairment
- diabetes
- renal disease
Report options
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Drug Interaction Classification
Major | Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. |
---|---|
Moderate | Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. |
Minor | Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. |
Unknown | No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Alcohol, Other Drugs, Foods, and More
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat high cholesterol in adults and some children. In addition, Lipitor can be used to reduce other heart-related risks in adults with high cholesterol.
Like other drugs, Lipitor may have interactions.
Some interactions occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.
Keep reading to learn about Lipitor’s possible interactions, including what you shouldn’t eat or drink while taking Lipitor. And for more information about Lipitor, including details about its uses, see this article.
Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you take Lipitor. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Lipitor for you. These are known as contraindications. The list below includes contraindications of Lipitor.
If you have liver problems. You should not take Lipitor if you have liver problems, including liver disease. Statin drugs such as Lipitor can cause liver problems. If you already have liver problems, taking Lipitor may make your condition worse. Your doctor can recommend a different treatment option for you.
If you’re pregnant. You should not take Lipitor while pregnant. Statin drugs such as Lipitor may cause harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about other treatment options that are safer for you.
If you’re breastfeeding. It’s not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. It’s not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed child. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Lipitor. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better options for you.
Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. Your doctor can determine whether Lipitor is safe for you to take.
There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. But your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Lipitor. Both Lipitor and alcohol can raise your risk of liver problems, so combining the two may raise your risk of liver problems even more.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe to consume during your Lipitor treatment.
Before you start taking Lipitor, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The chart below lists drugs that may interact with Lipitor. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Lipitor. For more information about some of these interactions, see the “Drug interactions explained” section below.
Drug group or drug name | Drug examples | What can happen |
cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf) | — | can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
antiviral medications | • glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret) • fosamprenavir (Lexiva) • elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier) • letermovir (Prevymis) • lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) | can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
certain antibiotics | • clarithromycin • erythromycin (Eryc) • ciprofloxacin (Cipro) | can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
certain antifungals | • itraconazole (Sporanox) • ketoconazole • fluconazole (Diflucan) | can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
fibrates | • fenofibrate (Tricor) • gemfibrozil (Lopid) | can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
niacin (Niacor) | — | can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
colchicine (Colcrys) | — | can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
birth control pills | • desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva) • drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz) • ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva) | can increase the risk of side effects from birth control pills |
digoxin (Lanoxin) | — | can raise the risk of side effects from digoxin |
rifampin (Rimactane) | — | can make Lipitor less effective |
diltiazem (Cartia XT) | — | can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
certain seizure medications | • carbamazepine (Tegretol) • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) | can make Lipitor less effective |
leflunomide (Arava) | — | can raise the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
nefazodone | — | can increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor |
Learn more about certain drug interactions that can occur with Lipitor.
Interaction with diltiazem (Cartia XT)
Lipitor may interact with a blood pressure drug called diltiazem (Cartia XT). Diltiazem belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
What could happen
Taking diltiazem with Lipitor can increase your risk of side effects from Lipitor. This is because diltiazem can block your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can raise your risk of side effects, including serious side effects such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems.
What you can do
If you already take diltiazem, tell your doctor before starting your Lipitor treatment. Your doctor may recommend monitoring you more closely for symptoms of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems during your treatment. In some cases, they may prescribe a lower dose of Lipitor for you.
If you have questions about taking Lipitor with diltiazem, talk with your doctor.
Interaction with certain antifungal drugs
Lipitor can interact with a certain type of antifungal drug called azole antifungals.
Examples of azole antifungal medications include:
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
- ketoconazole
What could happen
Taking Lipitor with certain antifungal medications may raise your risk of side effects from Lipitor. Azole antifungals can decrease your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can cause Lipitor to build up in your body, which can raise your risk of side effects. In some cases, side effects may be serious, such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems.
What you can do
If you need to take an antifungal drug during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor first. In some cases, they may be able to recommend specific antifungal treatments that don’t interact with Lipitor.
If you need to take an azole antifungal with Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for symptoms of side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems. Or your doctor may lower your Lipitor dose.
Interaction with birth control pills
Lipitor may interact with certain birth control pills. Examples include:
- desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Enskyce, Kariva)
- drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Yaz)
- ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Junel, Balziva)
What could happen
Taking birth control pills with Lipitor may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills. This is because Lipitor can increase birth control hormone levels in your blood. This may raise your risk of side effects from your birth control pills.
What you can do
If you want to take Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor first. They may monitor you more closely for side effects from your birth control pills.
If you do experience more side effects than usual, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you. For example, a vaginal ring such as etonogestrel ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing) or a contraceptive injection such as medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) may be better options.
If you have questions about using Lipitor with birth control pills, talk with your doctor.
Lipitor may have other interactions. They could occur with foods, supplements, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for details. Note that the information below does not include all other possible interactions with Lipitor.
Does Lipitor interact with food?
You should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your Lipitor treatment. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can block your body’s ability to break down Lipitor. This can cause a buildup of Lipitor in your body, which raises your risk of side effects. In some cases, these side effects may be serious, such as myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems.
Does Lipitor interact with supplements?
Before you start taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.
Your doctor may recommend avoiding red yeast rice when you’re taking Lipitor. Red yeast rice and Lipitor work in similar ways to lower cholesterol levels. So taking the two together may increase your risk of side effects such as myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver problems.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about any supplements you take along with Lipitor. They can determine if they may be safe to take during your Lipitor treatment.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Lipitor interactions with herbs
Lipitor can interact with St. John’s wort. This herbal supplement can be used to treat depression.
St. John’s wort can cause your body to break down Lipitor too quickly, which can make Lipitor less effective. If you take St. John’s wort, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it during your Lipitor treatment.
Lipitor and vitamins
There are currently no reports of Lipitor interacting with vitamins. But this doesn’t mean that vitamin interactions won’t be recognized in the future.
For this reason, it’s still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Lipitor.
Does Lipitor interact with vaccines?
No, Lipitor isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. If you have questions about getting specific vaccines during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Lipitor interact with lab tests?
No, Lipitor isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But if you need to have lab tests, make sure the healthcare professional giving you the test knows about all medications you currently take. They can make sure there won’t be any interactions between your lab tests and medications.
Does Lipitor interact with cannabis or CBD?
Cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been specifically reported to interact with Lipitor. It’s possible for cannabis to either increase or decrease the amount of Lipitor in your blood. This may increase your risk of side effects, including myopathy (muscle pain), rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and liver problems. Sometimes, this interaction can cause Lipitor to be less effective.
Before you start treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Lipitor. Before taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Lipitor is right for you.
Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Lipitor include:
Liver problems. If you have any liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Lipitor. This drug may cause liver problems. And if you already have a liver condition, taking Lipitor may make it worse. Due to this risk, if you have liver problems, your doctor will likely recommend that you take a different medication for your cholesterol.
Kidney problems. Before starting treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. Lipitor can cause serious side effects, such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. If you have kidney problems, you may have a higher risk of these side effects from Lipitor. If you have kidney problems and take Lipitor, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during your treatment.
Diabetes. In rare cases, Lipitor can raise your risk of high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, taking Lipitor can make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels more often during your Lipitor treatment.
Stroke. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you’ve had a stroke. In rare cases, Lipitor can increase your risk of having a stroke. If you’ve recently had a stroke, your risk of having another stroke may be higher during your Lipitor treatment. Your doctor can determine if Lipitor may be safe for you.
Underactive thyroid. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have a higher risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis while taking Lipitor. If you have an underactive thyroid, talk with your doctor before taking Lipitor. They may monitor you more closely during your treatment, or they may prescribe treatment for your thyroid condition.
Pregnancy. Lipitor should not be used during pregnancy. Taking this drug while pregnant could raise the risk of problems with fetal development (commonly called birth defects). Due to these possible risks, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It’s not safe to take Lipitor while breastfeeding. At this time, it’s not known if the drug passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lipitor. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Lipitor and possible interactions.
Is it safe to take Lipitor with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Yes, it’s likely safe to take Lipitor along with NSAIDs. There aren’t any known interactions between these drugs. NSAIDs are used to treat pain, swelling, or fever. Examples of NSAIDs include:
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- naproxen (Aleve)
If you have questions about taking NSAIDs with Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Lipitor be taken along with ezetimibe (Zetia) to treat my high cholesterol?
Yes, it’s likely safe to take ezetimibe (Zetia) with Lipitor. There aren’t any known interactions between the two drugs.
Both Lipitor and Zetia are approved to treat high cholesterol. And in some cases, taking Zetia with statin drugs such as Lipitor is recommended to treat high cholesterol.
Before you start treatment for high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend the best plan for you. In some cases, they may recommend taking Zetia and Lipitor together.
Are there interactions between Lipitor and caffeine?
It’s likely safe for you to have caffeine along with Lipitor. There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and caffeine. Caffeine is present in certain food and drinks, such as coffee, chocolate, and tea.
If you’d like to have caffeine while you’re taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine how much caffeine may be safe during your treatment.
Does Lipitor interact with lisinopril (Zestril)?
No, there aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and lisinopril (Zestril). It’s likely safe for you to take these medications together.
Lisinopril is used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking Lipitor with lisinopril.
Does Lipitor interact with the nutrient CoQ10?
No, there aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and the nutrient CoQ10. This is an antioxidant that’s found in your body. It helps improve energy and protects your body from damage.
Statin drugs such as Lipitor may actually decrease the amount of CoQ10 in your body. This can increase your risk of certain side effects from Lipitor, such as myopathy (muscle pain) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor may lower your risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor to see if they may recommend taking CoQ10 supplements along with Lipitor.
Is it safe for me to take Lipitor with sildenafil (Viagra)?
Yes, it’s likely safe to take Lipitor and sildenafil (Viagra) together. There aren’t any known interactions between these drugs. Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction.
But before you start taking Viagra, be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you take. This can help prevent interactions between Viagra and your other medications.
Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Lipitor. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Things to discuss with them include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you start taking a new drug during your Lipitor treatment.
It’s also important to read Lipitor’s label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. You may see colored stickers on the label that describe interactions. And the paperwork (sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide) may have other details about interactions. (If you did not get paperwork with Lipitor, ask your pharmacist to print a copy for you.) If you need help understanding this information, your doctor or pharmacist can help.
Taking Lipitor exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
If you still have questions about Lipitor and its possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask them include:
- Do other drugs that treat my condition also have similar interactions?
- Should I let you know if I start taking other medications or supplements during my Lipitor treatment?
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my Lipitor dosage?
- Would spacing out my medications lower my risk of interactions?
To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:
- All About Lipitor
- Side Effects of Lipitor: What You Need to Know
- Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know
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