lipitor Generic Name: ATORVASTATIN (a-TORE-va-sta-tin)

lipitor Drug Manufacturer: PFIZER

lipitor Common Uses: This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

lipitor How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take this medicine at the same time each day. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

lipitor Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS before the full benefits of this medicine can be seen. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. LABORATORY AND/OR MEDICAL TESTS such as blood cholesterol levels or liver function tests may be done before you begin taking this medicine and during treatment to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DAILY USE OF ALCOHOL may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. THIS MEDICINE MAY INFREQUENTLY cause muscle damage. Untreated, this can lead to kidney damage and a very serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if they occur with fever or unusual tiredness. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this medicine, since it may cause fetal harm. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.