Side Effects of Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium), Warnings, Uses

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The Lipitor Symptoms Every Woman Should Know About

The late great Joan Rivers once joked about snorting Lipitor before hitting the stage. That should give you an idea of just how thoroughly this cholesterol medication has infiltrated the mainstream.

That’s in no small part because heart disease tops the list of leading causes of death among females in the U.S.—and it’s held that rank for almost 100 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Lipitor belongs to a family of medications known as statins, which lower cholesterol levels in the blood by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver produces. Lipitor is an atorvastatin—one of the two most hardcore types of statins—and can lower cholesterol levels by over 50 percent, says Ann Marie Navar, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of cardiology at the Duke University School of Medicine.

“For roughly every 40-point drop in LDL from statins, your risk of heart attack or stroke drops by 20 percent, and your risk of dying drops by 10 percent,” says Navar. No wonder Joan was snorting the stuff.

Make no mistake: Lipitor (like most drugs) also comes with a laundry list of possible side effects, which can impact certain patients more than others. “Smaller people—including women, who often have smaller blood volumes than larger people or men—are more likely to experience side effects,” says Gregory Thomas, M.D., medical director of the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute in Fountain Valley, Calif., and leading global expert on heart disease.

Whether you are already on Lipitor or feel like you might need it someday (#truth), keep a cautious eye out for these potentially dangerous complications:

1. Muscle Pain & Cramping

Achy muscles are the most commonly reported side effect of not only Lipitor, but of statin medications in general. The tenderness is typically bilateral—which means you feel it on both sides of your body—and shows up in your larger muscle groups, like arms, legs, back, and shoulders. Cramping, however, normally takes place on one side of the body, or unilaterally.

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“Sometimes muscle pain is due to an interaction with another medication you’re taking, or a sign that your thyroid or vitamin D level needs to be checked,” says Amy Pollak, M.D., cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. “Other times, it’s a sign that your body doesn’t tolerate the medication and that you’re having a more serious reaction, called rhabdomyolysis.”

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle tissue breaks down, releasing into the blood stream. It can cause kidney damage or failure, and even death. (Yes, that’s the same condition people get from going too hard at the gym.)

Amelia Sattler, M.D., family medicine doctor at Stanford Health Care, says dark, tea-colored pee is one good indication that your muscles are deteriorating. Rhabdomyolysis, however, only occurs in one in 10,000 patients on statins, according to Thomas, and usually happens when there is too much statin in the bloodstream.

Still, if you feel your muscles throbbing, it’s best to let your doctor know right away—especially if the pain is severe or if you’re taking any other prescription medications. A simple blood test can show if any muscle deterioration has occurred, and your doctor may try lowering your dose to see if it helps resolve your symptoms.

2. Diabetes

This is a chicken or the egg scenario: “Most people who develop diabetes on a statin probably would have developed diabetes anyway, but they cross over the threshold earlier because of their statin,” says Navar.

The benefits of lowering cholesterol, however, far outweigh the negative effect statins could have on blood sugar levels. Plus, you can regulate your blood sugar in other ways, like diet, weight loss, and even other medications.

The good news is that the risk is pretty small: According to Thomas, diabetes only develops in two in 1,000 patients taking statins.

3. Abnormal Liver Function

It rarely happens, but taking statins can also cause inflammation of the liver, also known as hepatitis. People with liver disease are especially at risk for abnormal liver function, and should be checked out by a doctor before they start taking a drug like Lipitor.

But if you don’t have any liver problems prior to taking the drug, you’re most likely in the clear—as long as you avoid other substances that could stress out your liver, like alcohol or acetaminophen. “Many large studies have shown that the risk of liver injury from statins is not significantly different from your otherwise risk,” says Pollak.

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Sattler warns, however, that feeling more tired or weak than usual after starting a medicine like Lipitor can be a sign of underlying damage to the liver, so be sure to seek medical attention if your fatigue is otherwise unexplained or persistent.

4. Abdominal Pain & Loss of Appetite

Don’t feel like eating? “This may happen as your body adjusts to the medicine,” says Sattler. “But if it persists and you start to lose weight as a result, please seek medical attention because it may be a sign of underlying liver damage.” If your not-so-hungry mood is short-lived and your weight remains stable, there’s probably no need to rush to your doctor.

Similarly, abdominal pain can be a mild or serious side effect, depending on how persistent and severe your pain is. “Severe stomach pain that is persistent and associated with other symptoms, such as fever or severe fatigue, should be evaluated by a medical professional promptly, as this can be a sign of liver damage caused by the medication as well,” says Sattler.

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A few other things Sattler says you should keep on your radar: Don’t take Lipitor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, since it can cause allergy-like reactions (e. g., rashes) for you, and it can also get into your baby’s system through your breast milk. (That could cause adverse health effects in your baby, too.)

Also, Lipitor is one of those medications that doesn’t play nice with grapefruit juice: If you chug large amounts while taking the meds, it could increase your risk of kidney and muscle damage.

And remember: “Exercising, losing weight, and eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and rich in vegetables and lean proteins is something we should all be doing to improve our cholesterol,” says Pollak. “For many people, focusing on these aspects of a heart-healthy life will improve their cholesterol so they don’t need to take a medication.”

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Common and serious Lipitor side effects

Lipitor side effects | Serious side effects | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects

Lipitor is a brand-name prescription drug used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, belongs to a family of drugs called statins that work by reducing the liver’s production of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol) while increasing the liver’s removal of LDL cholesterol already in the blood. Statins also increase the levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and reduce levels of other fatty substances called triglycerides that can cause inflammation in the blood vessels. Learn about Lipitor’s side effects, contraindications, warnings, and potential drug interactions.

RELATED: Learn more about Lipitor

Common side effects of Lipitor

Lipitor has been widely used for over 20 years, so its side effects are well-known. The most commonly reported side effects are:

• Swelling of the throat and nasal passages
• Pain in the throat or nasal passages
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the extremities
• Urinary tract infection
• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness 
• Muscle spasms
• Insomnia

Other side effects reported with Lipitor include:

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Increased blood sugar levels, which could lead to diabetes
• Mental impairment or memory loss

In clinical trials, muscle pain and weakness is the single most common reason people stopped taking Lipitor. If muscle problems arise, a healthcare professional might reduce the dose, switch to a different statin, or stop treatment for a while.

Serious side effects of Lipitor

Lipitor can cause severe and even life-threatening side effects including:

• Muscle damage (myopathy)
• Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) leading to possible kidney failure
• Liver dysfunction
• Tendon rupture
• Blood disorders (low blood cell counts)
• Lung injury and scarring
• Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (a severe autoimmune reaction targeting skeletal muscles) 
• Severe allergic reactions

How long do Lipitor side effects last?

Lipitor is typically cleared from the body in about 77 hours, or three days, with a half-life of about 20 to 30 hours. However, Lipitor is intended as a long-term medication that must be taken daily for maximum effectiveness. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, and the severity of side effects may dissipate over time as the body adapts to the medication.

More serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, blood disorders, or muscle damage may persist longer and require treatment or hospitalization. Muscle pain and weakness could last for several months after Lipitor has been discontinued. Some side effects such as lung injury or muscle damage may be irreversible and require lifelong treatment.

Lipitor contraindications & warnings

Although effective at reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke, Lipitor may not be suitable for everyone. Continue reading to learn about misuse, withdrawal, overdose, and how Lipitor may worsen pre-existing medical conditions.

Abuse and dependence

Lipitor is not a drug subject to abuse or psychological dependence. When statins are discontinued after long-term use, however, LDL cholesterol levels can quickly rebound to higher than normal. Because statins help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, when they are discontinued, the result is an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, there are no standards for discontinuing statin therapy. If statins are not working, get professional medical advice before stopping the medication.

Overdose

High doses of Lipitor can increase the risk of statin toxicity, which can lead to potential side effects. Statin toxicity typically presents with symptoms such as muscle pain, muscle weakness, and muscle inflammation with elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood, an enzyme muscles use to store energy. When muscles are damaged, the cells leak creatine kinase and a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. If muscle damage is severe enough, the kidneys can be injured by myoglobin released from the dead muscle cells.

Overdose is a potentially significant problem when taking statins. Some people who take several other medications or have other health conditions may forget to take their dose correctly—forgetting a dose one day or taking too many doses another day. To prevent overdose, medication reminders such as daily alarms may be required.

If an overdose is suspected, get emergency medical attention. When taking statins, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional if unusual muscle pain or muscle weakness is experienced. Muscle pain and muscle weakness are possible signs of statin toxicity.

Restrictions

Some people who experience severe muscle pain from Lipitor may be tested regularly for signs of muscle damage as indicated by high CK levels. Although Lipitor can cause liver problems, liver enzymes won’t be monitored unless there are symptoms of liver impairment.

Some people should never take Lipitor such as:

• People with active liver disease
• Women who are pregnant
• Women who are breastfeeding
• People who are allergic to atorvastatin or any other ingredients in Lipitor

Certain medical conditions or lifestyles may make Lipitor less effective or more hazardous. These include:

• Kidney problems: People with kidney impairment are more likely to experience muscle problems including severe muscle damage when taking Lipitor. The drug can still be prescribed in those with kidney problems with no dose adjustments needed.
• Thyroid problems: People with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are at an increased risk of developing muscle pain, muscle weakness, and severe muscle damage when taking Lipitor or other statins such as Zocor (simvastatin). Thyroid problems may need to be corrected before statin therapy is possible.
• Liver impairment: Because of the risk of liver damage, people with active liver disease will not be prescribed Lipitor or any other statin. People with a history of liver disease are also more likely to experience liver problems, so Lipitor will be used cautiously in these patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends blood tests to assess liver function before Lipitor is first prescribed.
• Alcohol consumption: Lipitor is more likely to cause liver problems in men consuming more than three alcoholic beverages per day and women consuming more than two alcoholic beverages daily. Men and women who heavily consume alcohol are at a higher risk of liver disease. 
• Diabetes: Lipitor and other statins can worsen hyperglycemia and A1c levels in people with diabetes. The American Diabetic Association (ADA) guidelines suggest that healthcare professionals use a “treat-to-target” (that is, a target LDL level) rather than a fixed-dose approach to minimize Lipitor’s effects on glucose tolerance.
• Recent stroke: In people who have recently experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, or “mini-stroke”), Lipitor increases the risk of bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). 
• Advanced age: People older than 65 are more likely to experience muscle pain, muscle weakness, and muscle damage. The FDA suggests Lipitor be used cautiously in older patients due to an increased risk of myopathy. However, providers may recommend Lipitor to prevent future medical problems due to high cholesterol. The balance of long-term benefits versus short-term risks evolves as people get older and their expected lifespan shortens. When a person reaches a certain age, a healthcare professional may suggest reducing or ending statin therapy. 

Lipitor interactions

Lipitor is not safe to take with certain drugs. Certain combinations should be avoided, but others may require monitoring or treatment adjustments. Some of these drugs include:

• Azole antifungal medications (such as itraconazole)
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin)
• AIDS/HIV or hepatitis antiviral medications
• Some cancer drugs
• Quinine-based malaria drugs
• Cyclosporine (an immune suppressant given to people after receiving an organ transplant)
• Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Certain CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers
• Birth control pills
• Digoxin (heart failure medication)

Always talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before taking Lipitor to help avoid negative interactions with other medications.

How to avoid Lipitor side effects

As with all medications, Lipitor can produce unwanted side effects. However, Lipitor can only prevent life-threatening illnesses if the medication is taken every day over the long term. Since Lipitor and other statins may be a lifelong project, it’s helpful to learn a few ways to both minimize adverse effects and promote the benefits of this drug.

1. Take Lipitor as directed

Most importantly, take Lipitor as directed at the same time every day. Follow all the directions given by a healthcare provider or provided with the prescription. Most people will take 10–80 mg per day. Do not change this dose, skip a dose, or stop the medicine without talking to a doctor or healthcare professional. 

2. Use an alarm or reminder

To avoid missing a dose or accidentally taking extra doses, use a medication diary, calendar, or smartphone app to track the day’s doses. It can help to schedule the daily dose for major events in the day, such as breakfast, dinner, or bedtime.

3. Tell the doctor about all medical conditions and medications

Before getting a Lipitor prescription, make sure the doctor or other healthcare professional prescribing Lipitor is fully informed about your medical history including:

• All current medical conditions, particularly kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, muscle pain, or muscle weakness
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to get pregnant
• All over-the-counter and prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies being taken
• Daily alcohol consumption

4. Keep all follow-up appointments 

Lipitor’s effects cannot be felt or monitored at home. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments. Blood tests may be necessary to ensure the drug is working and not causing side effects. Discovering side effects early prevents them from turning into serious medical conditions.

5. Watch for signs of possible side effects

Many of Lipitor’s most serious side effects may not be evident until they’ve become serious problems. Keep watch for any muscle problems including muscle aches, tenderness, or any unusual weakness. Even if it seems like nothing, tell a doctor so that tests for muscle damage can be given. The same applies to any changes in thinking or memory. If mental abilities seem to be deteriorating, talk to the prescribing doctor. Lipitor can also damage the liver, so look for signs of liver impairment such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, tiredness, or stomach pain. You may need to switch to a different medication or discontinue statins altogether if you experience any muscle, liver, or cognitive problems.

Related resources:

• American Diabetes Association indications for statins in diabetes, American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• Atorvastatin, StatPearls
• Atorvastatin, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Lipitor, Epocrates
• Lipitor prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Neuromuscular symptoms and elevated creatine kinase after statin withdrawal, The New England Journal of Medicine
• Recommendations for (discontinuation of) statin treatment in older adults: review of guidelines, Journal of the American Geriatric Society
• Statin-induced diabetes: incidence, mechanisms, and implications, F1000Research
• Statin medications, StatPearls

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LIPITOR tablets are not for everyone, including anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to LIPITOR. It is not for those with liver problems. And it is not for women who are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant. If you get pregnant, stop taking LIPITOR and call your doctor right away.

If you take LIPITOR tablets, tell your doctor if you feel any new muscle pain or weakness. This could be a sign of rare but serious muscle problems that can lead to kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you take. This may help avoid serious drug interactions. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before starting LIPITOR and during your treatment if you have symptoms of liver problems. Call your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms of liver problems – feel tired or weak or have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark amber colored urine, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIPITOR.

Common side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have side effects that bother you or that will not go away.

INDICATIONS

LIPITOR is a prescription medicine that lowers cholesterol in the blood. It lowers the LDL-C (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides in your blood. It can raise your HDL-C (“good” cholesterol) as well. LIPITOR is for adults and children over 10 whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone.

LIPITOR can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pain in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL-C, or heart disease in the family. LIPITOR can lower the risk for heart attack or stroke in patients with diabetes and risk factors such as eye problems, kidney problems, smoking, or high blood pressure.

Limitations of Use: LIPITOR has not been studied in people who have an increase of chylomicrons (Fredrickson Types I and V).

Please see Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

Statins for women – Consumer Reports

Before you can attempt to lower your risk, you need to know what it is. People with multiple risk factors, such as having high blood pressure or diabetes, being a smoker, being sedentary, or having high LDL cholesterol, are among those with the highest risk for a heart attack.

With a goal of lowering your future risk of a heart attack, you need a clear answer to the question: What level of risk am I at right now? And how does lowering my cholesterol or changing other risk factors help reduce that overall risk?

Calculating your risk of a heart attack can be easily done with a cardiac risk calculator. The risk calculator from the National Cholesterol Education Program is a good place to start.

You’ll need to know your total cholesterol level, your HDL or “good” cholesterol, and your systolic blood pressure number (the first number in the reading, for example the “140” in 140/90). With that, the tool will calculate your overall 10-year risk of heart attack.

The tool can also help determine how much your risk would change if you altered your cholesterol levels, reduced your systolic blood pressure or quit smoking. You might be surprised by how much quitting smoking alters your risk vs. something like altering your cholesterol levels. Some things you can’t change, such as your family history, gender, or age, but reducing cardiovascular risk is about making lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes—they matter. It makes sense for women to be mindful of their heart health. If you are a woman who doesn’t have any risk factors for heart disease, but you’ve learned that you have elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, there are several lifestyle changes that you can follow to help your health.

Stay active. Regular aerobic exercise protects against major cardiac risk factors. It can raise HDL levels and might help lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, help control body weight, ease stress, and might reduce arterial inflammation. Strength training also improves heart-health, too, since building muscle also boosts your fat-burning capacity.

Eat a “heart healthy” diet. Consuming the right foods can protect your heart in several ways, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure levels, limiting inflammation of the arteries, warding off type 2 diabetes, and of course, helping you lose weight. See here for more detailed tips.

Lose excess weight if you need to, since doing so can also help to reduce LDL and blood pressure levels and keep type 2 diabetes at bay. Limiting portions, consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and even eating at home have all been shown to improve weight loss results.

Moderate alcohol consumption (up to one drink a day for women and two for men) can raise HDL cholesterol and possibly reduce inflammation. But even a little too much alcohol undermines the heart.

Keep stress in check. Negative emotions such as stress or anger trigger the release of hormones that can threaten your heart. And people who experience those emotions have more heart attacks than calmer, more cheerful types, research suggests.

Don’t obsess about your numbers. But take your health seriously.

What You Need to Know About Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

• Lipitor lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while boosting “good” cholesterol (HDL).
• Lipitor is the most widely sold prescription drug in the U.S.
• Lipitor is not for pregnant women, those intending to become pregnant, or people with kidney or liver issues.
• Tolerable reactions include heartburn, muscle weakness, queasiness, and diarrhea.
• More serious side effects can include muscle breakdown, inflammation, and abdominal pain.

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is part of a class of drugs knows as statins (or HMG CoA reductase inhibitors). Atorvastatin is a drug that is taken to treat hyperlipidemia, an abnormally high concentration of fats or lipids in the blood. In simpler terms, atorvastatin lowers the concentrations of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, while boosting levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

Through lowering high levels of cholesterol, Lipitor also reduces the risk factors that are commonly associated with all types of vascular and heart disease, as well as complications that high cholesterol can give to people with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular problems.
Children age 10 and older and adults can be prescribed this drug for the treatment of high cholesterol and triglycerides, but patients with liver disease, pregnant women, women planning to get pregnant, as well as women who are breast-feeding should abstain from taking atorvastatin.

In addition, atorvastatin can cause complications which create failure in skeletal muscle tissue, leading to a breakdown in kidney function. Check with your health care provider urgently if you experience unusual muscle weakness or pain, especially when these come in conjunction with high fever, unfamiliar fatigue, or dark-colored urine.

For Lipitor to be most effective in treating high levels of cholesterol, it is advisable to take this drug in conjunction with exercise, good hydration, weight control, and a cholesterol-lowering diet that is low in fat or cholesterol.

There are some studies that suggest a relationship between statins and dementia. Statins include drugs like Crestor (rosuvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Livalo (pitavastatin), and Zocor (simavastatin). However, no direct relationship has been proven and additional studies must be conducted by researchers before it can be recommended clinically.

The most recent study was published in 2014 in the Public Library of Science (PLOS). The study involved approximately 16,000 Taiwanese individuals with type 2 diabetes who were new to statins, compared to 2,400 Taiwanese patients with diabetes who had been on statins. It must be noted that individuals with type 2 diabetes are already at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

The research revealed that people on statins like Lipitor or Crestor had a 25% lesser chance of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, but statins did not have similar effects on other types of dementia. Might statins be the long-awaited breakthrough? Not so fast, say most researchers on Alzheimer’s disease.

Another study involved more than 5,000 persons in their seventies and early eighties. They were split up into a group that was given a statin by the generic name of pravastatin (brand name Pravachol), while the other group received a placebo (a substance with no active therapeutic effect.) After years monitoring both groups, the researchers concluded that there was no significant effect on cognitive function in the group that received the statin.

In yet another larger study involving more than 20,000 people who were split up between a placebo group and another group that was on simvastatin (brand-name Zocor, among others.) After another long monitoring period, the same result was reached: both groups displayed the same propensity for developing dementia. Thus, as stated, additional research is needed to clarify whether there is a link between statins and dementia.

The Potential Negative Side of Statins

Some researchers have discovered that patients taking statins reported memory loss symptoms after starting statins, although it did not occur to everyone taking statins. In a 2010 study of 600 people taking Lipitor, memory loss was identified as a symptom. Despite that, a precise association between Lipitor and memory loss, i.e. a cause-and-effect relationship, has yet to be confirmed. That is the reason why physicians routinely inquire about other underlying conditions that may affect memory, for example age, heart disease, and even pre-diagnosis Alzheimer’s.

The Potential Positive Side of Statins

However, according to research studies conducted by Dr. Tin-Tse Lin of Taiwan and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, high doses of statins can actually help prevent dementia in older individuals. The large study was conducted on 58,000 people and found that high potency statins provided the strongest protection against dementia.

So what does all of this mean? In summary, research on the relationship between statins and dementia is ongoing. Until definite conclusions can be made, physicians will predominantly recommend other means of preventing memory loss and other symptoms of dementia in older populations.

• Studies have revealed that treatment with atorvastatin drugs is linked to significant reductions in vascular issues of the heart. Lipitor treatment is also effective in diabetic patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
• Lipitor must be taken once a day at anytime, and doses vary from a low dose of 10 mg to a high dose of 80 mg a day. The most common prescriptions are for dosages of either 10 or 20 mg a day, although it is often prescribed at a dose of 40 mg based on the patient’s overall health.
• Dosage adjustments are typically made by a health care provider at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. Never change dosage of this medication without prior consultation with your doctor.
• Lipitor is not approved for use with children who are younger than 10 years-old. For those ages 10 to 17, the pediatric dose is 10 to 20 mgs a day, and a maximum dosage of 20 mgs a day, with adjustments at 4 weeks.
• If you realize that you have missed taking a dose, take one, unless the next time you are due to take your medication again is less than 12 hours away.

Avoid taking atorvastatin if you have experienced liver complications or are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. Furthermore, make sure that you inform your doctor if you might have:

• A high and regular consumption of alcohol
• A thyroid problem
• History of kidney disease or current kidney problems that can show as shortness of breath or fatigue, muscle tenderness or pain, or difficult or painful urinating
• Liver problems that can show as gastrointestinal problems, itching, tiredness, nausea, weight changes, urine that is dark, and jaundiced or yellowish skin and eyelids
• Signs of a stroke, which can show as sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance, one side of the body feeling suddenly weak or numb, or other unusual changes in your health

When on a Lipitor regimen, avoid eating grapefruit, for it can have adverse effects due to its’ reactions with atorvastatin. The same goes for excess alcohol consumption, for alcohol can cause injury to the liver and raise triglyceride levels.

In addition, when taking atorvastatin, older adults and individuals who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) may have complications that can produce a failure of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to a breakdown in kidney function.

Potential Less Severe Side Effects of Atorvastatin include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Muscle Weakness
• Lower Back or Side Pain
• Pain or Tenderness Around the Eyes and Cheekbones

Side effects that should be promptly reported to a physician include:

• Hemorrhagic Stroke
• Deterioration or Gradual Loss of Muscle
• Muscle Breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
• Inflammation, Pain with Swelling of the Joints (Arthralgia)
• Abdominal or Stomach Pain
• Back Pain
• Belching or Excessive Gas
• Heartburn, Indigestion, or Stomach Discomfort
• Shivering
• Loss of Appetite, Vomiting
• Constipation
• Increased Thirst or Hunger

Other unusual side effects and sudden health issues:

• Confusion, or Memory Problems
• Fever, Drowsiness, and Loss of Appetite
• General Feeling of Discomfort or Illness
• Dark Urine
• Jaundice, i.e. yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Runny or Stuffy Nose, Sneezing, Coughing, Sore or Scratchy Throat (nasopharyngitis)
• Sleep Disturbance and Insomnia

Less known incidence:

• Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• Menstrual bleeding occurring earlier or lasting longer than usual
• Black, tarry stools
• Bloody nose
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Blurred vision
• Difficult, burning, or painful urination
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Excessive muscle tone or tension
• Groin or scrotum pain
• Increased body movements
• Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• Increased sensitivity to touch or pain
• Increased urination
• Loss of sexual ability, drive, or desire
• Depression, nervousness, nightmares, paranoia
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Slurred speech
• Swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Unable to move or feel face
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat,
• Hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore
• Red, irritated eyes
• Sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Lipitor and Alcohol:

Excessive alcohol consumption can boost triglyceride levels and may cause harm to the liver; conserve your health by drinking in moderation when taking Lipitor.

Atorvastatin and Grapefruit:

When taking atorvastatin, you need to abstain from eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, as these may boost levels of the drug to hazardous intensities in your system.

Atorvastatin and Drug Interactions:

There are numerous medications that interact with atorvastatin, including:

• Many antacids
• Several antibiotics (for example, clarithromycin or erythromycin)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, and others)
• Telaprevir
• Warfarin
• Oral contraceptives
• Antifungal medicines (such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole)
• HIV medications (such as darunavir, fosamprenavir, ritonavir, and various others)
• Medicines that contain niacin (for example Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, and various others)
• Drugs that weaken your immune system (such as steroids, cancer medicine and others)
• Medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection (such as sirolimus, tacrolimus and others

Here is some information that may be of interest to anyone on a Lipitor regimen or discussing taking Lipitor with a health care provider:

Atorvastatin and weight gain:

Individuals often ask about Lipitor in connection with weight gain. There is nothing in the medical literature on this subject. However, while on this medication, you should exercise and maintain a healthy diet to prevent gaining weight. Be alert to the possibility that recent changes in your weight are not resulting from some other coexisting health-related condition.

Lipitor and muscle pain and tenderness:

One of the more serious, though infrequent, Lipitor byproducts includes weakness or tenderness in muscle groups. If you or a loved one experience such symptoms, you should not procrastinate. Instead, consult with a physician before this condition gets worse.

Atorvastatin and anxiety:

The prescribing information that is readily available for Lipitor mentions nothing about anxiety resulting from taking Lipitor. If you feel stressed out or having anxiety attacks while on a regimen of Lipitor, your doctor will once again be able to tell you if this is being caused by another coexisting condition, or he or she may lower your dosage of the drug.

Lipitor and grapefruit:

Lipitor (atorvastatin) has an adverse interaction with grapefruit juice, the effects of that combination lasting up to 24 hours or more after consuming grapefruit. While taking Lipitor, grapefruit and its juice may lead to potentially hazardous effects.

Lipitor and vitamins:

According to the information that the Lipitor manufacturer provides on the package, Lipitor does not react adversely with vitamins or herbal supplements. Any unusual physical or mental changes should however be promptly discussed with your doctor.

Lipitor and memory:

There is conflicting evidence about the relation of Lipitor to memory and Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. It has not been proven whether the memory loss that is occasionally observed in older people is caused by the Lipitor that they are taking or by other age-related causes, cardiovascular issues that may be causing the beginnings of vascular dementia, or other reasons already present in as yet undiagnosed dementia. Let your physician guide you on this, as informed by the most up-to-date research.

Lipitor is a medication used for lowering high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. If you are concerned about its possible impact on memory and other cognitive function, the evidence to date is mixed and inconclusive. The best thing you can do is to allow your primary care physician to guide you based on your medical history and signs and symptoms that he or she discovers during an examination. Lipitor is an effective drug for lowering cholesterol, and while it may show promise in other realms (e.g. dementia prevention), research is not conclusive enough to recommend it for these purposes.

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Generic Lipitor (Atorvastatin) – Cholesterol -> gogetrxonline.com

Common use

Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering which used used to treat high cholesterol or to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complications in patients with coronary heart disease or second type of diabetes. Atorvastatin helps to clear harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol out of the blood and by limiting the body’s ability to form new LDL cholesterol. Thus can help prevent hardening of the arteries and heart disease, conditions that can lead to vascular disease, heart attack, stroke.

Dosage and direction

Take it orally once a day with or without food. Atorvastatine should be taken with full glass of water.

The commonly dose for adults is 10 mg once daily.

The commonly dose for children 10 to 17 years of age is 10 mg once daily.

Using Atorvastatin in children less than 10 years of age is not recommended and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It’s very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.

Precautions

People with diabetes, underactive thyroid glands, kidney disease, or muscle disease sometimes need additional tests before or during atorvastatin therapy since dosage adjustments may be required. Do not use large amounts of alcohol while taking this drug because it can worsen the adverse effects of this medicine on the liver. Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor’s advice. Do not use Atorvastatin before breast-feeding without doctor’s permission.

Contraindications

Atorvastatin is not allowed to people who have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests. Do not use it if you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), itraconazole, or mibefradil. Also Atorvastatin contraindicated if you are hypersensitive to any components of this medication, pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

They may include all types of an allergic reaction. Also the most possible side effects include:

muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms; or

nausea, clay-colored stools, stomach pain, low fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, dark urine.

Less serious include:

mild nausea or stomach pain, stomach upset, heartburn;

constipation, bloating, gas;

stuffy nose;

itching, skin rash;

headache.

If you experience one of them stop using Atorvastatin and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

Drug interaction

Atrovastatin interact with the following drugs: digoxin; erythromycin or clarithromycin; gemfibrozil or fenofibrate; niacin; an antifungal medication such as itraconazole, fluconazole, or ketoconazole; drugs that weaken your immune system such as cancer medicine or steroids, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and others; HIV or AIDS medication such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, lopinavir-ritonavir, or saquinavir. Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Atorvastatin is not known well but most possible include a severe drop in blood pressure and a faster heartbeat. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

90,000 What are the side effects of Lipitor?

Lipitor® side effects are divided into three groups. The first is a safe set of side effects that are not dangerous, such as upset stomach and joint pain. The second set of side effects is more serious and can cause long-term health problems such as liver damage. Finally, a final set of side effects includes the harm Lipitor® can do to an unborn or nursing baby.Anyone considering taking Lipitor® should discuss the risks with their healthcare professional.

Lipitor®, also known as atorvastatin, is a drug developed by Pfizer that lowers blood cholesterol. The drug works by suppressing the production of cholesterol in the liver. Most patients who take Lipitor® experience the expected effect, especially if they combine medications with healthier eating and exercise habits. However, all medicines, including Lipitor®, carry risks.Lipitor® side effects can make the patient so unhealthy that the medication is counterproductive.

Of all the side effects of Lipitor®, headaches are the most common. More than 10% of patients report headaches during the first week of treatment. Slightly less than 10% of patients suffer from abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other common side effects include temporary weakness and dizziness. Patients should not be bothered by these symptoms unless they persist for more than a week.

If symptoms persist or worsen, the patient may be at risk for one of the most serious side effects of Lipitor®. Because Lipitor® works by suppressing certain liver functions, liver damage is possible through a rare long-term side effect. If a patient reports the long-term side effects described above, the doctor will do a blood test to determine liver health. Blood test results, along with the physical symptoms of jaundice or medication-related hepatitis, are clear signs that Lipitor® is doing more harm than good.Patients who experience liver damage may need further treatment.

The last group of Lipitor® side effects includes those that affect unborn and breastfeeding women taking medications. Lipitor® can completely suppress the ability of an unborn baby to produce cholesterol. This side effect is fatal to a child. Lipitor® can also harm breastfeeding as it is excreted in mother’s milk. For these reasons, doctors do not prescribe Lipitor® to pregnant and lactating women.

Although there is little risk of serious side effects with Lipitor®, people considering using a cholesterol-lowering drug should discuss these risks with their doctor. Medical history and lifestyle influences the likelihood of certain side effects. To minimize the risk, the doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes before the patient starts taking Lipitor®.

OTHER LANGUAGES

90,000 The effect of drugs on the absorption of food

It’s no secret that many drugs have side effects.

We are warned about this in the annotation in small letters …

Because these are problems that are not considered serious or are directly related to the main effect of the drug. Taking certain medications becomes a habit with age. Well, of course – from pressure and aspirin to reduce blood clotting, antibiotics for colds and fever. People often take antidepressants. In addition, people believe that the injections work better with fewer side effects.We must feel the cure!

Did you know that repeated use of antibiotics can actually increase the risk of cancer? A study published in the European Jornal of Cancer found that the more courses of antibiotics a patient received in the previous year, the higher the risk of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, lungs, prostate and breast (breast – in men). According to the statistics of prescribing antibiotics to themselves and by doctors, at least 30% of such prescriptions are not needed at all. In recent years, about a hundred thousand people die annually from antibiotic resistance, as bacteria adapt to drugs.It is now more and more difficult to treat tuberculosis and nosocomial postoperative complications.

Proton pump inhibitors (omez, nexium, zeropase, razo, etc.) are familiar to almost everyone. They are prescribed for gastritis, reflux, peptic ulcer disease, constant medication for hypertension. Their long-term intake reduces the body’s ability to assimilate: vitamins B12, C, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc from food and multivitamins. But this is not so bad. They also increase the risk of death from diseases of the cardiovascular system, chronic kidney disease and, in case of hereditary predisposition, can provoke the development of stomach cancer.

Many diuretics (diuretics), which are often taken for hypertension, lead to a deficiency of potassium, calcium, magnesium, thiamine, iron, folic acid – vital substances for the heart, muscles, and brain.

Of course, I am not calling for giving up many important and necessary drugs. But, when taking any drug, it is worth knowing what consequences you may encounter with their long-term use. This makes it possible to compensate for the growing deficit.

As, for example, when taking metformin, the level of vitamin B12 should be monitored and replenished periodically. It is also important to have information on how different drugs work together.

TOP-8 beneficial side effects of known drugs

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All medicines have side effects. While these effects are often perceived as bad, sometimes they can bring unexpected health benefits, scientists say.

Take the same story of the legendary Viagra that began life as a remedy for angina pectoris. When people participating in clinical trials reported a pleasant side effect, the manufacturer Pfizer began to offer Viagra for the treatment of impotence.

However, Neil Patel, spokesman for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, stipulates: “Any benefit can be fraught with serious risks.”

The British edition of The Daily Mail offers a look at some of the downsides of several useful drugs.

Eye drops for hair growth

Can drops used to treat glaucoma help women fight baldness? Eyelash growth was an unexpected bonus for patients treated with Latanoprost eye drops.

Diabetes medicine prevents cancer

Metformin, a drug commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, may reduce the risk of cancer, researchers from the University of Oxford have found.Just recently, they have proven the anti-cancer potential of this drug through clinical trials.

Statins prolong the sexual life of men

Statins – cholesterol-lowering drugs that are taken by millions of people for heart disease – can be beneficial for men. Statins can improve the sex life of men who are not helped by Viagra. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that many of these men do well when Viagra is combined with Lipitor, another statin.What’s more, according to Dr. Stephen Freeland, “statins may play an important role in slowing the growth of prostate cancer.”

Pressure tablets

Patients taking diuretics prescribed to control high blood pressure through urinary stimulation often notice that they are losing weight.

Ovarian cancer pills

Oral contraceptives reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and continue to protect women long after the pill is stopped.

Aspirin helps with depression

In the journal Psychotherapy And Psychosomatics, Australian researchers report that women who took aspirin were less likely to suffer from depression. weakening of inflammatory processes.

Valium soothes pain

Diazepam, better known as Valium, was originally prescribed for anxiety.However, its relaxing properties have been found to extend to muscles and patients with epilepsy – they alleviate the severity of spasms during seizures. This side effect is so widely recognized that Diazepam is now prescribed to control muscle spasms and relieve pain.

How to increase the power of the mind

Hormone replacement therapy appears to stimulate brain activity, two recent studies show. Scientists from the University of Durham found that after menopause, women using HRT performed better on tasks involving fine motor coordination.

You french fries and that lipitor over there? … Don’t die! Food in the Struggle for Life

Lipitor, a statin used to lower blood cholesterol levels, has become the most purchased drug of all time, with worldwide sales exceeding $ 140 billion ^{‹‹ 32› ›} . This class of drugs has generated such a high wave of enthusiasm in the medical community that some major US healthcare figures have even suggested adding statins to urban water supplies, such as fluoride ^{‹‹33››} .Our cardiology journal then jokingly suggested that fast food restaurants include in the menu along with ketchup and sweet and sour sauce the McStatin seasoning, which would help neutralize the effects of junk food ^{‹‹34››} .

Of course, if a person knows that they have a high risk of developing heart disease, but at the same time does not want or cannot change their diet, then the benefits of statins will be felt more than their disadvantages. However, these drugs have side effects, such as potentially damaging the liver and muscles.Many doctors regularly give their statin patients a blood test to monitor their liver counts. Blood tests are also done for muscle wastage products, and biopsies show muscle damage can occur in people taking statins even though the blood count is normal and there are no obvious symptoms of muscle pain or weakness ^{‹‹ 35› ›} … Some loss of muscle strength is not harmful for young people, but for older people it means an increased risk of falls and injury ^{‹‹36››} .

There are other concerns as well. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that statins be updated to include additional information that statins can cause memory loss and disorientation. Statins also increase the risk of diabetes . In 2013, data from a study was published that involved several thousand breast cancer patients. Research has shown that long-term statin use doubles the risk of invasive breast cancer in women ^{‹‹38››} .The main cause of death among women is coronary heart disease, not cancer, so the benefits of statins may outweigh the risks, but why take any risk at all when you can naturally lower your cholesterol?

Plant-based diets have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels as effectively as first-line statins, but without any risk ^{‹‹ 39› ›} . Eating well has extremely positive “side effects”: reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes and protects the liver and brain , as you will learn later in this book.

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