Generic Lipitor - atorvastatin - is a prescription drug in one of the newest classes of cholesterol-lowering medications, called statins. These drugs have been used widely during the last years. For people with high cholesterol, Lipitor, in combination with a low-fat diet, can reduce your LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Lipitor is a safe, FDA approved, prescription medication that can naturally reduce the levels of cholesterol. Atorvastatin blocks a key enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the formation of cholesterol.


 

FAQ

How does Lipitor work?
• Atorvastatin lowers cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver that your body uses to make cholesterol. When less cholesterol is produced, the liver takes up more of it from the bloodstream. This results in lower levels circulating in your blood.
• Atorvastatin lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood. LDL cholesterol sometimes sticks to the walls of your arteries and can slow or clog the flow of blood. If you have high cholesterol, lowering your LDL level is important.
• Atorvastatin also increases the level of HDL "good" cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol helps get rid of the extra cholesterol in your blood.

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It is normal to have cholesterol, in fact, cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes; hormones and other needed tissues. However, too high a level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease.

How to use Lipitor
Adults
The recommended starting dose is 10 or 20 milligrams once a day. (The doctor may start with 40 milligrams daily if your LDL levels need to be reduced by more than 45 percent.) The doctor will check your cholesterol levels every 2 to 4 weeks and adjust the dose accordingly. The maximum recommended daily dose of atorvastatin is 80 milligrams.

Children 10 to 17 years old
The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams once a day. The dosage may be increased after 4 weeks, as determined by the doctor, up to a maximum of 20 milligrams a day. Girls must be having regular menstrual cycles before starting therapy with Lipitor.

Lipitor side effects
Side effects of Lipitor may include: Abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, accidental injury, allergic reaction, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flu symptoms, fluid retention, gas, headache, indigestion, infection, inflammation of sinus and nasal passages, insomnia, joint pain, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach pain, urinary tract infection, weakness.

Special warnings about Lipitor
There is a slight chance of liver damage from Lipitor, so your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver function before you start taking the drug, again 12 weeks after you begin therapy or your dosage is increased, and periodically thereafter. If the tests reveal a problem, you may have to stop using Lipitor.

Drugs like Lipitor have occasionally been known to damage muscle tissue, so be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage.

If you are scheduled for major surgery, your doctor will have you stop taking Lipitor a few days before the operation.


Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Developing babies need plenty of cholesterol, so this cholesterol-lowering drug should never be used during pregnancy. In fact, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe Lipitor if there is even a chance that you may become pregnant. If you do conceive while taking Lipitor, notify your doctor right away. Lipitor does make its way into breast milk, so you should not take the drug while breastfeeding your baby.