Lipitor is a drug under the class called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and is also known as statins. It generally works by significantly lowering cholesterol production in the body. It may be able to show results as soon as 2 weeks after initial use. These results will keep the patient motivated and follow a diet regimen better.
Lipitor also helps in stabilizing plaque in the body and prevents the occurrence of stroke by its anti-inflammatory function. The main working mechanism of this drug is its ability to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, which is the main enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol.
It is proven safe and effective and tested even for children as young as 10 years old.

•    Should not be taken by people who are allergic to Atorvastatin or any of its ingredients.
•    Stop the use of Lipitor if you just found out that you are pregnant.
•    Limit the consumption of high fat meals as it can severely lower and affect the effectiveness of the drug.
•    Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Lipitor as it can amplify the known side effects of the drug.
•    Lipitor is known to cause renal failure, be sure to inform your doctor if any form of sickness is experienced.
•    This drug is not a “do-it-all” drug for the cure of cholesterol. It should be a part of a complete plan including proper diets and exercise in order to be effective.

Before taking Lipitor, check with your doctor especially if you previously have or is currently suffering from the following:
•    Liver disease
•    Kidney disease
•    Muscle weakness
•    Diabetes mellitus
•    Thyroid disorder
•    If you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverage a day
Do not take Lipitor if you are allergic to Atorvastatin or any of its ingredients.

The recommended dosage varies between 10 mg to 20 mg /day for children 10 to 17 years old with cholesterol disorders of genetic origin. No studies have been made on doses above 20 mg.

Several factors may determine the dose that a person needs: weight, general health and other medications used.
If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones mentioned here, do not change the way of taking the medication without previously consulting with your doctor.

Because the atorvastatin lowers the blood cholesterol, it is very important to use it as prescribed by your doctor, and take it regularly.

This drug is not recommended if you are allergic to atorvastatin, or to any of the ingredients of the medication; if you are pregnant or think you might be, if you are nursing or if you are suffering from a liver disease.
Important notice: Always consult a doctor before starting treatment with Lipitor. Check the leaflet inside for instructions.

Missed doses are considered missed. Leave it and take the next scheduled dosage. Do not overdose to compensate for the missed one. If you remember and still with enough time before the next one, take it, if not then proceed with your regular dosing schedule.

During unexpected and emergency situations, Call for help right away and notify your physician for such matter. You may contact a poison control center or have you taken to the nearest hospital for abrupt treatment; if the person is passed out and not breathing, call 911 or your local emergency response team..

•    Food that are high in fats and cholesterol
•    Alcohol
•    Grapefruit and grapefruit extracts

The following side effects are not experienced by everyone taking this medication. If you are concerned about its side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.

At least 1% of people taking the drug reported side effects. Many of these side effects can be controlled and some may disappear on their own over time.

Consult your doctor if you experience constipation, diarrhea, rash, upset stomach, gas, headache, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn.

Most side effects do not happen very often, but they could lead to serious problems if left untreated.
These are symptoms of liver failure (such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching), and of nerve failure (such as muscle weakness, lowered sensation in the hands and feet, balance problems, numbness, tingling, prickling).

If one of the following side effects occurs, stop taking this medicine and ask for medical care: serious rash, including blistering and the apparition of scaling (perhaps preceded by headache, fever, cough, or an ache), symptoms of muscle damage (especially if you have fever as well as unexplained muscle pain, chest pressure or weakness, brown urine or urine discoloration), or a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or throat, hives or difficulty breathing.

Before using this medication, be sure to inform your doctor about medical conditions or allergies you may suffer from, medications you use and other significant facts about your health.
Women should state whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding. These factors may affect the way you should use this medication.

Drug interactions have the tendency to change the effectiveness of either medicine.
•    Birth control pills
•    Clofibrate
•    Gemfibrozil
•    Fenofibrate
•    Itraconazole
•    Telithromycin
•    Antacids
•    Niacin
•    Warfarin
•    Digoxin
•    Vitamin D supplements