LIPITOR
Atorvastatin Calcium
Cholesterol regulator
*The
image used above of the drug Lipitor,
is that of 80mg tablets.
Patient Information for LIPITOR
About Lipitor tablets
Before
you use Lipitor
How to use Lipitor
Side effects of Lipitor and what you should do
lipitor - Ingredients
Important
Information About Lipitor?
About Lipitor tablets:
Your doctor has prescribed these pills to help lower your cholesterol
or other fats in the blood (such as triglycerides). High levels of
these fats can cause heart disease by clogging the blood vessels that
feed blood and oxygen to your heart.
Lipitor is just part of the treatment your doctor will plan with
you to help keep you healthy. Depending on your health and your lifestyle,
your doctor may recommend:
- a change in your diet to control your weight and reduce your cholesterol;
- exercise that is right for you;
- quitting smoking or avoiding smoky places;
- giving up alcohol or drinking less.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Lipitor belongs to the class of medicines known as HMG-CoA reductase
inhibitors. Lipitor is effective in reducing low density lipoprotein
cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and other lipids / fats in the
blood. You can only get Lipitor by prescription after seeing your
doctor. It is made with the drug atorvastatin. Lipitor is the brand
name of atorvastatin and is manufactured by Pfizer Canada Inc.
 back
to the top
Before you use Lipitor:
Some people should not take Lipitor. Talk to your doctor if:
- You have liver disease.
- You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you might
be pregnant. This medicine should not be used during pregnancy.
If you get pregnant during treatment, you should stop taking this
medicine and tell your doctor immediately.
- You are breast-feeding your baby. This medicine may be present
in your breast milk.
- You have taken any of the following medicines before and you have
had a reaction:
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Zocor (simvastatin)
- Mevacor (lovastatin)
- Pravachol (pravastatin)
- Lescol (fluvastatin)
- Baycol (cerivastatin)
- You are taking any other medicines, prescription or non-prescription,
especially:
- corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines)
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
- gemfibrozil (Lopid)
- fenofibrate (Lipidil Micro ) or bezafibrate (Bezalip)
- lipid-lowering doses of niacin (nicotinic acid)
- erythromycin, clarithromycin or azole antifungal agents (ketoconazole
or itraconazole)
- nefazodone (Serzone)
- indinavir sulfate (Crixivan), nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept),
ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir mesylate (Invirase)
- terfenadine
- Please note that there is little experience with this medicine
in adolescents (teenagers) and children.
back
to the top
How to use Lipitor:
We often cannot see or feel the problems that high cholesterol
causes until a lot of time has passed. That's why it is important
to take these pills just as your doctor tells you to. You and your
doctor will be watching your cholesterol levels to get them down to
a safe range. Here are some important tips.
- Keep your medicine at room temperature (15 to 25°C) away from
warm or damp places like the bathroom or kitchen.
- Follow the plan that you and your doctor make for diet, exercise
and weight control.
- Take your Lipitor as a single dose. It does not matter if you
take it with food or without food, but you should not take it with
grapefruit juice. Your doctor will usually tell you to take it in
the evenings.
- If you miss taking a pill, take it as soon as you can. But if
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just
take the next dose. Don't take a double dose.
- Never change the dose unless your doctor tells you to.
- Don't drink too much alcohol while you are taking Lipitor. Talk
to your doctor about how much is too much for you.
- If you get sick, have an operation, or need medical treatment
while you are taking Lipitor, inform your doctor or pharmacist that
you are taking Lipitor.
- If you have to take any other medicine--prescription or non-prescription--while
you are taking Lipitor, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- If you have to see a different doctor for any reason, be sure
to inform them that you are taking Lipitor.
- Tell your doctor if you have any muscle pain, tenderness, soreness
or weakness during treatment with Lipitor (see Side Effects).
- Talk to your doctor right away if you feel any side effects (see
below).
back
to the top
Lipitor side effects and what you should do:
Most people do not have any problems with side effects when
taking this medicine. However, all medicines can cause unwanted side
effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of the
following persist or become troublesome:
- stomach pain or upset
- gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
- vomiting or throwing up
- headache
- skin rash
Talk to your doctor right away if you have:
- muscle pain that you can't explain
- muscle tenderness or soreness
- weakness and not feeling well
- fever
back
to the top
Lipitor - Ingredients:
The active ingredient in your Lipitor tablets is atorvastatin. The
tablets are available in 4 strengths: 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg. The other
commonly used ingredients in your Lipitor tablets are:
- calcium carbonate
- croscarmellose sodium
- lactose monohydrate
- microcrystalline cellulose
- polyethylene glycol
- titanium dioxide
- simethicone emulsion
- candelilla wax
- hydroxypropyl cellulose
- magnesium stearate
- hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- talc
- polysorbate 80
back
to the top
Important Information About Lipitor
Your doctor prescribed this medicine for you only. Don't give
your pills to anyone else. Always keep medicine well out of the reach
of children. Keep your medicine at room temperature (15 to 25°C) away
from warm and damp places like the bathroom or kitchen.
back
to the top
|
