Lipitor® is a brand name of the medication atorvastatin. Lipitor® is often prescribed by physicians to help reduce cholesterol levels and works by blocking the body from producing cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol is important to maintain heart health and to prevent the risk of stroke. It is important to have all the facts about Lipitor® before deciding to begin using this medication for the treatment for high cholesterol.
Drug Warnings for Lipitor®
It has been reported in rare cases that Lipitor® can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue. This condition can result in kidney failure. Call a physician immediately if unexplained muscle pain, dark colored urine, muscle weakness, and/or flu symptoms develop after beginning Lipitor®.
Lipitor® should not be used by women who are pregnant, as this medication can cause birth defects. It is important to actively prevent pregnancy while taking this medication, and should a woman become pregnant while taking this medication, notify a physician.
Lipitor® should never be taken by someone with liver damage or liver disease. Do not drink alcohol while taking Lipitor®. This may cause a rise in triglyceride levels, and can cause liver damage.
Grapefruits and grapefruit juice can interact with Lipitor® and cause dangerous side effects. Discuss the current use of grapefruit products with a physician before starting Lipitor®.
Lipitor® Side Effects
Seek medical attention immediately if signs of allergic reaction are experienced. These include hives, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue and difficulty swallowing.
If serious side effects are experienced, stop taking Lipitor® immediately and contact the prescribing physician. The following serious side effects have been reported (Lipitor® Drug Insert):
- Severe nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (the yellowing of the eyes or skin)
More common side effects have also been reported, and often fade after continual use. These side effects are:
- Mild nausea
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Constipation and bloating
- Gas
- Itchy skin or mild rash
- Headache
Lipitor® Drug Interactions
According to Pfizer, Lipitor has been shown to interact with some medications. Inform the prescribing physician of any medications currently being taken by the patient. The following drug interactions have been reported, in various levels of severity. Lipitor® should not be taken with:
- Digoxin, also known as digitalis, Lanoxin, and Lanoxicaps
- Erythromycin, also known as E-mycin, Ery-Tab, and E.E.S
- Clarithromycin, also known as Biaxin
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenfibrate (Tricor)
- Niacin, also known as Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niancin
- Antifungal medications like Sporanox (itraconzaole), Diflucan (fluconazole), or Nizoral (ketoconazole)
- Drugs that affect the immune system such as cancer medications or steroids
- HIV or AIDS medications such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritovir, lopinavir, or saquinavir.
Not all side effects or drug interactions may have been reported. If side effects not mentioned here are experienced or if a drug interaction is suspected, contact the prescribing physician or a pharmacist for assistance.
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