What they are and how to manage them

Lipitor is a brand-name prescription medication that’s prescribed to treat high cholesterol and related problems. Like many other drugs, Lipitor can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious.

Here are some fast facts on Lipitor:

• Active ingredient: atorvastatin
• Drug class: statin
• Drug form: tablets

If you and your doctor agree that Lipitor is working for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Lipitor, including details about its uses, see this article.

Lipitor can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lipitor in clinical trials:

• swelling and inflammation in nasal passages and back of the throat
• joint pain
• diarrhea
• pain in the arms or legs
• urinary tract infection (UTI)

Mild side effects can occur with Lipitor use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lipitor’s patient information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Lipitor include:

• swelling and inflammation in nasal passages and back of the throat
• joint pain
• diarrhea
• pain in the arms or legs
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• upset stomach
• nausea
• muscle spasms
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• muscle pain or weakness*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Lipitor and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Lipitor may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Lipitor’s patient information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

• Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (a condition in which your immune system attacks your muscle cells). Symptoms can include:
  • weakness in muscles close to the center of your body, such as those in your neck, forearms, shoulders, back, and thighs
  • trouble lifting your arms over your head
  • tiredness
  • difficulty climbing stairs or standing up from a chair
• Myopathy (a condition that causes muscle pain and weakness) and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue). *
• Abnormal liver function.*
• Allergic reaction.†

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Lipitor. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials of the drug.

Lipitor may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Lipitor cause eye-related side effects?

It’s possible, but very rare, that Lipitor could cause eye-related side effects.

In clinical trials, a very small number of people taking the drug had blurry vision as a side effect.

If you have blurry vision or eye-related side effects while you’re taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms. This could include other medications you take besides Lipitor.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend you stop taking Lipitor and use another drug for your condition.

Do Lipitor’s side effects vary based on its strength (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)?

Lipitor’s side effects don’t vary based on the strength of the drug. However, some side effects happen more or less often depending on its strength.

For example, in clinical trials, people taking a lower dose such as 10 mg, were more likely to have swelling in their nasal passages and throat. This was compared with people taking the highest dose of 80 mg.

Additionally, joint pain was most commonly reported by people taking a 40-mg dose.

To see a list of how often certain side effects were reported based on the dose of Lipitor people took, view Lipitor’s patient information.

Can Lipitor cause any long-term side effects?

It’s possible for Lipitor to cause long-term side effects, but this is not common.

For instance, abnormal liver function is a serious but rare side effect of Lipitor. It’s possible that liver damage caused by the drug won’t go away over time.

Another very rare but serious side effect of Lipitor is immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). This is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscle cells.

Studies have shown that sometimes IMNM caused by statin drugs can be successfully treated. (Keep in mind that Lipitor is a statin.) But medications for this condition have to be taken long term.

If you have additional questions about long-term side effects of Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the side effects of Crestor vs. Lipitor?

Lipitor and Crestor are both statins, and they can cause similar side effects. Some side effects are more common with one medication than with the other, though.

Both Lipitor and Crestor can cause:

• muscle and joint pain
• nausea
• liver damage
• rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)
• allergic reaction

These drugs can cause some different side effects, too. For instance, Lipitor is more likely to cause diarrhea. But Crestor is more likely to cause constipation.

To view a full comparison of Crestor and Lipitor, you can check out this article. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more information.

Can Lipitor’s side effects include dizziness, cough, hair loss, or memory loss?

Dizziness, cough, hair loss, and memory loss weren’t reported by people taking Lipitor in clinical trials.

Since Lipitor was approved, there have been a few reports of people having memory loss. It’s important to note that memory loss has been reported with all statin drugs, which is the type of drug Lipitor is. And it usually goes away when the statin is stopped.

If you’re concerned about possible side effects from Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can review with you the risks and benefits of this drug. And they’ll help you find the best treatment for your condition.

What are Lipitor’s side effects in males vs. in females?

Lipitor’s side effects didn’t differ between males and females during clinical trials. *

To view some of Lipitor’s side effects, see the sections above for lists of mild and serious ones. For a full list of side effects that the medication may cause, check out Lipitor’s patient information.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Does Lipitor treatment affect my blood pressure?

Changes in blood pressure weren’t reported in people taking Lipitor in clinical trials.

However, since the drug was approved, there have been a few studies looking at statins, including Lipitor. These studies showed that statins may slightly lower blood pressure.

It’s important to note that statin drugs, including Lipitor, aren’t approved to treat high blood pressure.

If you have questions or concerns about blood pressure and Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

In clinical trials, there weren’t differences in side effects reported in older adults taking Lipitor.

However, adults ages 65 years and older may have a higher risk of muscle problems from Lipitor. This includes muscle pain or weakness. And it applies to all statin drugs, including Lipitor.

If you’re an older adult and you’d like to know more about Lipitor’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can review the risks and benefits of this medication.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Lipitor may cause.

Abnormal liver function

Although it’s not common, abnormal liver function is a possible serious side effect of Lipitor.

It was reported by people taking the drug during clinical trials. But this side effect has been reported with all statin medications. (Keep in mind that Lipitor is a statin.)

Most people with this side effect don’t have symptoms, besides changes in levels of liver enzymes on blood tests. But possible symptoms of liver damage can include:

• fatigue (low energy)
• weakness
• loss of appetite
• pain in your upper abdomen
• swelling in your belly, ankles, or legs
• urine that’s a darker color than usual
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)

In extremely rare cases, serious liver injury and even liver failure has occurred with Lipitor.

Your risk of abnormal liver function increases with higher doses of Lipitor.

What you can do

Your doctor will likely check your liver function before you start taking Lipitor.

They may continue monitoring your liver function using blood tests while you’re taking the medication. This helps your doctor notice abnormal liver function before it becomes serious.

If you experience any symptoms of liver problems while you’re taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. They’ll have you stop taking the drug. And they’ll check for possible causes of your symptoms.

If your doctor thinks that Lipitor is causing your symptoms, they’ll have you permanently stop taking the medication. And they’ll discuss other treatment options with you.

Muscle pain or weakness

It’s possible that you’ll have muscle pain or weakness with Lipitor. Most people who took the drug in clinical trials didn’t report these effects, though.

It’s important to note that muscle pain or weakness may be a sign of more serious side effects. These include myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, which are discussed in more detail just below.

What you can do

Because muscle pain or weakness can be a sign of more serious side effects caused by Lipitor, it’s important to tell your doctor about them.

Tell your doctor right away if you have muscle pain or weakness that:

• happens without a reason, such as exercise
• doesn’t go away

Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis

Although it’s very rare, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported in people taking Lipitor.

With myopathy you have muscle pain and weakness. And you also have high levels of a substance called creatinine kinase in your blood.

People with the following factors have a higher risk of myopathy with Lipitor:

• being age 65 years or older
• having untreated hypothyroidism
• having kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease
• taking other drugs that can also cause myopathy
• taking a higher dosage of Lipitor
• drinking more than 1. 2 liters of grapefruit juice daily

Rhabdomyolysis is a severe and possibly life threatening muscle condition. It can lead to problems with your kidneys, including kidney failure. It usually requires treatment in a hospital.

Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis can include:

• severe muscle pain and weakness
• nausea
• brown, red, or tea-colored urine
• loss of consciousness

What you can do

If you have muscle weakness or pain while you’re taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. They can order lab tests to check your creatinine kinase levels.

Your doctor will have you stop taking Lipitor if they confirm you have myopathy as a side effect.

If you notice symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, immediately call your doctor or seek emergency medical help. Rhabdomyolysis is treatable. And its risks of long-term damage, and even death, increase if it’s not urgently treated.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Lipitor can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.

Symptoms may be mild or serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itching
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Lipitor. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Lipitor. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include those listed below.

Liver problems. You should not take Lipitor if you have liver problems. People with liver problems have a higher risk of side effects from Lipitor, including serious ones such as myopathy. (With myopathy, you have muscle pain and weakness.) Your doctor can recommend safer treatments for your condition if you have liver problems.

Kidney problems. People with kidney problems may have a higher risk of myopathy if they take Lipitor. Tell your doctor if you have kidney issues. Your doctor can help determine whether treatment with Lipitor is safe for you.

Heavy alcohol use. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, which is a possible side effect of Lipitor. People who consume large amounts of alcohol and take Lipitor may have an even higher risk of liver damage. If you have more than two alcoholic drinks daily, be sure to tell your doctor before you start taking Lipitor.

Untreated hypothyroidism. People with untreated hypothyroidism may have a higher risk of myopathy with Lipitor. Your doctor can help determine whether Lipitor is safe for you.

Recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Taking Lipitor within 6 months of having a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can increase your risk of hemorrhagic stroke. (A TIA is also called a ministroke.) With a hemorrhagic stroke, you have bleeding in your brain. Your doctor can help determine whether treatment with Lipitor is safe for you.

Allergic reaction. You should not take Lipitor if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.

Alcohol use with Lipitor

There isn’t a direct interaction between consuming alcohol and taking Lipitor.

However, both alcohol and Lipitor can cause liver damage. Combining the two can increase your risk of this side effect, especially if you consume two or more alcoholic drinks daily.

Before you start taking Lipitor, it’s important to tell your doctor if you consume alcohol. They can advise you on how much, if any, is safe for you to drink while you’re taking Lipitor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lipitor

You should not take Lipitor while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Studies have shown that statin drugs, such as Lipitor, can harm a pregnancy. If you’re able to become pregnant, you’ll need to use effective birth control while taking Lipitor.

It’s not known whether Lipitor passes into breast milk. But it could cause serious side effects in a breastfed child if it does.

Talk with your doctor if you’re planning on becoming pregnant before you begin treatment with Lipitor. If you’re taking Lipitor and become pregnant, immediately stop taking the drug and call your doctor.

Like most medications, Lipitor may cause side effects.

Most side effects caused by Lipitor are mild and typically go away on their own. However, there are some rare but serious side effects reported by people using the drug in clinical trials. These include myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and liver damage.

Also, it’s very important that you immediately stop taking Lipitor and contact your doctor if you become pregnant while taking it.

If you’d like to learn more about Lipitor and its side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about this drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

• More information on Lipitor. For details on other aspects of Lipitor, refer to this article.
• Drug comparison. To learn how Lipitor compares with Crestor, read this article.
• Dosage. For information about the dosage of Lipitor, view this article.
• Interactions. To find out about Lipitor’s interactions, see this article.
• A look at your condition. For details about cholesterol, see our list of related articles. To learn more about cardiovascular disease, our cardiovascular health hub and this list of related articles may be helpful.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Lipitor – Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Atorvastatin belongs to the group of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”) or lipid metabolism regulators.  It is used to treat people who have high cholesterol levels, including people who have certain inherited cholesterol disorders. When you use this medication, you also need to make lifestyle changes, which may include switching to a diet low in fat and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and increasing the amount of exercise you do.

Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme that is used to make cholesterol in the liver. When that enzyme is blocked, less cholesterol is produced and the amount of cholesterol in the blood decreases. Atorvastatin lowers the level of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol), and raises high density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol) levels. Reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood has been shown to reduce the risks associated with heart disease, such as heart attack.

Atorvastatin is used to reduce the risk of heart attack for people experiencing symptoms associated with heart disease.

Atorvastatin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack for people with high blood pressure who have at least 3 additional risk factors for heart disease but are not experiencing symptoms associated with heart disease. The risk factors of heart disease for these individuals include:

• being male
• being 55 years old or older
• enlarged heart ventricles
• family history of heart disease
• smoking
• specific abnormalities on an ECG
• a total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio of 6 or higher
• type 2 diabetes
• specific types of protein in the urine

Atorvastatin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for people with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes who have other risk factors for heart disease but are not experiencing symptoms associated with heart disease. The risk factors of heart disease for these individuals include:

• a specific type of protein in the urine
• being 55 years old or older
• disease of the retina
• smoking

Atorvastatin may be used in addition to diet to reduce cholesterol for adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age with increased cholesterol levels and family history of early heart disease or 2 or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The medication usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks to have a significant effect on the cholesterol level in your blood. After this time, your doctor will likely send you for a blood test to check for changes in your cholesterol levels.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do.  It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

10 mg
Each white, elliptical, film-coated tablet, embossed with “10” on one side and “PD 155” on the other, contains atorvastatin 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium carbonate, candelilla wax, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, and simethicone emulsion.

20 mg
Each white, elliptical, film-coated tablet, embossed with “20” on one side and “PD 156” on the other, contains atorvastatin 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium carbonate, candelilla wax, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, and simethicone emulsion.

40 mg
Each white, elliptical, film-coated tablet, embossed with “40” on one side and “PD 157” on the other, contains atorvastatin 40 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium carbonate, candelilla wax, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, and simethicone emulsion.

80 mg
Each white, elliptical, film-coated tablet, embossed with “80” on one side and “PD 158” on the other, contains atorvastatin 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium carbonate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, and simethicone emulsion.

How should I use this medication?

When you start taking atorvastatin, you should be on a cholesterol-lowering diet. If appropriate, a health care professional will discuss an individualized program of weight control and physical exercise with you.

The recommended starting dose of atorvastatin for adults is 10 mg or 20 mg daily, preferably in the evening, with or without food. Your doctor will do blood tests to tell how well this dose is working for you and may gradually increase the dose to get the desired response. The maximum recommended dose for adults is 80 mg taken once daily.

For children 10 to 17 years of age who are taking this medication to treat inherited cholesterol disorders, the recommended dose ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg daily. Doses greater than 20 mg have not been studied.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

For best results in lowering cholesterol, it is very important to closely follow the diet suggested by your doctor. It is also very important that atorvastatin be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to atorvastatin or any ingredients of the medication
• are breast-feeding
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• have active liver disease or unexplained increases in liver function tests
• are taking any of the following medications:
  • cyclosporine
  • elbasvir/grazoprevir
  • glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
  • ledipasvir/sofosbuvir
  • velpatasivr/sofosbuvir

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects.  A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• headache
• nausea
• rash
• sexual problems
• stomach pain
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• confusion
• cough, shortness of breath, fever
• memory loss
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
• symptoms of liver damage (such as yellow skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or itching)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of muscle damage (unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or brown or discoloured urine – especially if you also have a fever or a general feeling of being unwell)
• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed.  Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Alcohol: People who drink large quantities of alcohol should be closely monitored by their doctor while they are taking this medication.

Cardiovascular: There is an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke if atorvastatin is started within 6 months of having a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). If you have a history of stroke or have had a recent stroke, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: Atorvastatin may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diet: Atorvastatin is not intended to be used alone to reduce high cholesterol levels. It is important that a cholesterol-reducing diet along with appropriate exercise be attempted before taking any medication and continued while taking medication.

Grapefruit juice: Taking atorvastatin and consuming grapefruit juice may result in an increased amount of atorvastatin in the body, and lead to side effects. If you regularly drink grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should change your diet.

Hypersensitivity reaction: A severe allergic reaction called hypersensitivity syndrome has been reported by some people using other medications in the same family as atorvastatin. Get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Kidney function: If you have decreased kidney function or a history of kidney disease, you may be at an increased risk of developing muscle effects while taking atorvastatin. The lowest effective dose of atorvastatin should be used and your doctor should follow you closely. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Atorvastatin may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure, although this is rare. This medication should not be used by people with active liver disease or by people whose liver function tests are higher than normal. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Muscle effects: In rare cases, serious muscle pain, cramps, and weakness have been associated with the use of statin medications (i.e., cholesterol-lowering medications whose names end in “statin,” such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin), especially at higher doses. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have kidney or liver problems
• are taking niacin or a fibrate medication (such as gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
• have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
• regularly drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day
• have had any past problems with muscles (pain, tenderness) after taking a statin such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin
• have a personal or family history of inherited muscle problems
• are over 65 years old
• have undergone surgery or suffered any traumatic injury
• are frail
• do excessive physical exercise
• have diabetes
• are taking medications that may increase the amount of atorvastatin in the body or are taking other medications that can cause muscle damage

Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramps, or any brown or discoloured urine to your doctor immediately, particularly if you are also experiencing malaise (a general feeling of being unwell) or fever.

Pregnancy: Cholesterol is necessary for the development of an unborn baby. Taking atorvastatin during pregnancy reduces the amount of cholesterol reaching the developing baby and may cause harm to the baby. Atorvastatin should not be taken by pregnant women. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if atorvastatin passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: There is limited experience with the use of this medication by children. Atorvastatin has only been studied for use by children aged 10 to 17 years who have inherited cholesterol disorders (also known as familial hypercholesterolemia).

Seniors: If you are over 70 years old, you may experience more side effects. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between atorvastatin and any of the following:

• aliskiren
• amiodarone
• antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
• apalutamide
• aprepitant
• “azole” antifungal medications (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• birth control pills
• bosentan
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil)
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• cobicistat
• colchicine
• conivaptan
• cyclosporine
• cyproterone
• dabigatran
• danazol
• deferasirox
• digoxin
• dronedarone
• eltrombopag
• enzalutamide
• fibrates (e.g., bezafibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
• ginseng
• grapefruit juice
• hepatitis C antivirals (e. g., elbasvir, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, grazoprevir, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, velpatasvir)  
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• lanthanum
• letermovir
• lomitapide
• lumacaftor and ivacaftor
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin)
• midazolam
• mifepristone
• mitotane
• modafinil
• niacin (nicotinic acid)
• niacinamide
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• primidone
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., ceritinib, crizotinib, dabrafenib, idelalasib, imatinib, nilotinib, ribociclib)
• quinine
• raltegravir
• repaglinide
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• St. John’s wort
• sarilumab
• siltuximab
• sitagliptin
• spironolactone
• other “statin” anti-cholesterol medications (e. g., lovastatin, simvastatin)
• stiripentol
• ticagrelor
• tocilizumab

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Lipitor

Lipitor, 40 mg tablets, 30 pcs

Composition

Atorvastatin, excipients.

Pharmacological action

Hypolipidemic.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics

The drug belongs to the group statins . It acts selectively and competitively with respect to the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase , converting coenzyme A into mevalonic acid , which belongs to the precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. In the liver cholesterol and TG are incorporated into VLDL, after which they enter the bloodstream and are transported to peripheral tissues. In the future, VLDL is transformed into LDL.

Lipitor significantly reduces the content of cholesterol and lipoproteins in the blood of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia , not amenable to treatment with lipid-lowering drugs. The drug does not have a carcinogenic and mutagenic effect.

Pharmacokinetics

Lipitor is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, Cmax in the blood is reached after 2 hours. Relative bioavailability – 95%. Metabolized in the liver with the participation of CYP3A4 to pharmacologically active ortho / para-hydroxylated metabolites. Eliminated with bile.

Indications for use

• Primary hypercholesterolemia various types, mixed hyperlipidemia ;
• As a dietary supplement for homo/heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia ;
• In diseases of the cardiovascular system, accompanied by dyslipidemia ;
• To prevent myocardial infarction and reduce the risk of death.

Contraindications

High sensitivity to Lipitor, liver disease with severe dysfunction, pregnancy, lactation. Take with caution in patients with electrolyte imbalance, arterial hypotension , with acute infections, alcoholism, convulsive syndrome, surgical interventions.

Side effects

Nausea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, emotional lability, insomnia, asthenia , dizziness, headache, drowsiness, malaise, peripheral neuropathy ataxia , paresthesia , hyperesthesia , hyperkinesis , depression, loss of consciousness, disturbance of accommodation, glaucoma, conjunctival dryness, tinnitus, loss of taste, postural hypotension, arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, vasodilatation , phlebitis , palpitations, migraine, anemia , thrombocytopenia , rhinitis, bronchitis, pancreatitis, anorexia , flatulence , leg muscle cramps, myalgia , bursitis, myositis, muscular hypertension, arthralgia , joint contractures, peripheral edema, impotence, vaginal bleeding, decreased libido , nephritis , epididymitis, increased sweating, eczema, alopecia, seborrhea, photosensitivity , hyperglycemia , albuminuria, weight gain.

Lipitor instructions for use (Method and dosage)

Lipitor tablets are taken orally, regardless of the meal time, at any time of the day. The initial dosage is 10 mg 1 time per day. The maximum daily dose is 80 mg. Treatment should be carried out against the background of compliance with the hypocholesterolemic diet .

Overdose

When taking the drug in high doses, liver dysfunction and development of rhabdomyolysis .

Interaction

The use of cytochrome CYP3A4 inhibitors leads to an increase in the concentration of the active substance in the blood. The risk of myopathy increases when administered with cyclosporine, erythromycin, fibrates , clarithromycin, antifungal azoles, nicotinamide. For example, the appointment of itraconazole entails an increase in the concentration of atorvastatin by 3 times, with erythromycin – by 40%.

With the simultaneous administration of digoxin, its concentration increases by 20%.