Precautions
Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Lipitor. Common side effects of Lipitor include: hemorrhagic stroke, arthralgia, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis. Other side effects include: urinary tract infection, insomnia, limb pain, muscle spasm, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, and nausea.
Is Lipitor a bad drug?
Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol. Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for the following uses, along with a healthy diet for the following. Lipitor helps prevent serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in adults considered high-risk for developing these problems.
What is lipator usually used for?
Weight loss is found among people who take Lipitor, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 2 - 5 years. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Lipitor and have Weight loss.
Does Lipitor help lose weight?
What Conditions does LIPITOR Treat?
- high cholesterol
- homozygous inherited high blood cholesterol
- heterozygous inherited high blood cholesterol
- high amount of triglyceride in the blood
- high cholesterol and high triglycerides
- increased triglycerides and cholesterol
- treatment to prevent a heart attack
- treatment to slow progression of coronary artery disease
- primary prevention of heart attack
What conditions does Lipitor treat?
How should I take Lipitor?
How long does it take for lipitor to work?
What is the best medication for high cholesterol?
What is the drug group for atorvastatin?
How long does it take for cholesterol to improve?
What are the side effects of Lipitor?
What happens if you are allergic to lipitor?
See 4 more
About this website
What does Lipitor do for the heart?
About Lipitor Lipitor is the only statin proven to provide a combination of impressive average LDL (“bad” cholesterol) lowering of 39 percent to 60 percent, significant and proven cardiovascular event reductions, and a well-established safety profile across a broad range of patients.
Will Lipitor cause weight gain?
Weight gain isn't a side effect of Lipitor. However, Lipitor belongs to a class of medications known as statins, which have been linked to weight gain. Some researchers have found that people who use statins tend to take in more calories than those who don't. This includes getting more calories from fat.
How long does Lipitor take to lower cholesterol?
Atorvastatin has a rapid onset of action; approximately 90% of the LDL cholesterol reduction from baseline occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment (Figure).
What foods should you avoid when taking Lipitor?
While taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems.
Does Lipitor make you tired?
In a study of more than 1,000 adults, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that individuals taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are more likely than non-users to experience decreased energy, fatigue upon exertion, or both.
Does Lipitor cause hair loss?
Cholesterol-lowering drugs Some statin drugs like simvastatin (Zocor) and (atorvastatin) Lipitor have been reported to cause hair loss.
Can you get off statins Once you start?
It's possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others. For instance, if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, it's not recommended that you stop taking these drugs. This is because you're more likely to have another such problem when you discontinue statins.
Does Lipitor lower blood pressure?
(BUSINESS WIRE )--The early addition of Lipitor ® (atorvastatin calcium) Tablets to effective blood pressure lowering treatment maintained a significant 36 percent reduction in the relative risk of fatal or non-fatal heart attacks over five years, according to a new analysis.
What is considered dangerously high cholesterol?
A person is considered at high risk for developing heart disease if their total cholesterol level is higher than 240 mg/dL, LDL levels are higher than 160 mg/dL (190 mg/dL is even higher risk), and if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL.
Can you drink coffee while taking Lipitor?
Your morning coffee may make Lipitor less effective That's because caffeine is a nonspecific adenosine receptor blocker. Adenosine receptor activation is essential for Lipitor to work. Meaning, your daily joe may make it less effective. Talk with your healthcare provider about your caffeine consumption.
How do you know if Lipitor is working?
How do I know if my statin is working? You'll need a blood test to check that your blood cholesterol level has come down. After starting a statin, it takes about six weeks for cholesterol levels to stabilise, so most doctors would re-check your cholesterol after about eight weeks.
What vitamins should not be taken with Lipitor?
Niacin. Niacin, vitamin B3, is a supplement and prescription medication that can interact with atorvastatin. The interaction can increase the chance of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What are the most common side effects of Lipitor?
Side effects of Lipitor include:constipation,diarrhea,nausea,fatigue,gas,heartburn,headache, and.mild muscle pain.
Does Lipitor cause water retention?
Swollen feet and ankles (fluid retention) Fatigue and drowsiness.
Can a statin help you lose weight?
Statin drugs refer to... Statins may improve gut microbiota and help shed weight in obese individuals, finds a new study.
What are the long term side effects of Lipitor?
What are statin side effects?Muscle pain and damage. One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. ... Liver damage. Occasionally, statin use could cause an increase in the level of enzymes that signal liver inflammation. ... Increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes. ... Neurological side effects.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Lipitor if you are allergic to atorvastatin, or if you have: 1. liver disease; or 2. if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.Atorv...
How Should I Take Lipitor?
Take Lipitor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose...
Lipitor Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease:Initial dose: 10 mg to 80 mg orally once a day.The initial dosage of Lipitor recommended...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Lipitor?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a choles...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Lipitor?
Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them...
Does Lipitor cause weight loss, weight gain, diabetes, memory loss, ED, tiredness, or headaches?
No, none of these were reported as side effects in studies of Lipitor. Keep in mind that Lipitor is prescribed along with a balanced diet. Some peo...
Is Lipitor a blood thinner or a beta-blocker? And does it lower blood pressure?
No, Lipitor is not a blood thinner or a beta-blocker. Lipitor belongs to a group of medications known as statins. Statins help lower cholesterol le...
Is Lipitor considered a safe medication? Why might some people think it’s bad for you?
Yes, Lipitor is considered a safe drug for most people. It’s been used to treat certain conditions for more than 20 years and has been studied in a...
Will Lipitor cause different side effects in men vs. women?
In studies, no differences in side effects were reported among males* and females* taking Lipitor. But certain side effects of Lipitor are specific...
How does Lipitor work? What’s its half-life, and how long does it stay in your system?
Lipitor belongs to a group of medications called statins. These drugs reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your body. L...
What should I know about Lipitor’s alternative drug Livalo?
Lipitor and Livalo are both statins, which help lower cholesterol levels in your body. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvastatin, while L...
Will I have side effects after stopping Lipitor?
Ending your Lipitor treatment should not cause any side effects. But if you stop taking Lipitor and do not replace it with a different treatment, y...
Lipitor Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com
Lipitor Side Effects. Generic name: atorvastatin Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm.Last updated on Apr 22, 2022. Consumer; Professional; FAQ; Note: This document contains side effect information about atorvastatin. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Lipitor.. Summary
Atorvastatin Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 1 Sep 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 5 Sep 2022), ASHP (updated 12 Sep 2022 ...
Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks - Mayo Clinic
However, researchers have found a "nocebo" effect when it comes to perceived muscle pain and statins. A "nocebo" effect means people who have negative expectations about a medication report experiencing the potential side effect at higher rates than the drug should cause.
Atorvastatin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures ... - WebMD
Find patient medical information for atorvastatin oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings.
Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you?
Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit associated with statins.
What is the purpose of Lipitor?
Lipitor is also used to lower the risk of coronary events (such as a heart attack or stroke) in patients at high risk of these events - such as people with pre-existing coronary heart disease, diabetes, peripheral vessel disease, a previous history of stroke and stroke-like events or heart attack, or with multiple risk factors (such as older age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL-C, and a family history of heart disease).
How long does it take for lipitor to work?
Peak levels are seen within one to two hours following administration; however, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before improvements in your cholesterol level are seen, and up to four weeks before the maximal cholesterol-lowering effects of Lipitor are apparent.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat high cholesterol?
Lipitor is a brand (trade) name for atorvastatin. Atorvastatin may be used for the treatment of high cholesterol. Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that makes different types of lipids (fats and cholesterol). Atorvastatin also boosts the breakdown of lipids.
What medications interact with Lipitor?
Common medications that may interact with Lipitor include: amiodarone. antibiotics, such as erythromycin. antidepressants, such as nefazodone. antifungals, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole. bezafibrate. calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, diltiazem, or verapamil. colchicine.
What are some drugs that are lipid lowering?
other lipid-lowering drugs such as gemfibrozil and bezafibrate. strong CYP3A4 inducers such as efavirenz or rifampin. strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as clarithromycin or cyclosporine. warfarin. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Lipitor.
Can you share Lipitor with children?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Lipitor only for the indication prescribed.
Can you take lipitor while pregnant?
Lipitor should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Ensure you use effective contraception while taking Lipitor if you are a woman of childbearing age and talk to your doctor if you intend to become pregnant before you actually become pregnant. 6. Response and effectiveness.
What is the purpose of Lipitor?
Lipitor is approved to prevent cardiovascular disease in adults. “Cardiovascular” refers to your heart and blood vessels.
How does lipitor work?
Lipitor works by lowering the amount of cholesterol made by your body.
Can I eat grapefruit while taking Lipitor?
You should avoid eating large amounts of grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Lipitor.
Do I need to follow a certain diet while taking Lipitor?
No, there isn’t a specific diet you’ll need to follow while taking Lipitor. However, it’s important to remember that Lipitor shouldn’t replace healthy eating. Lipitor can’t cancel out a poor diet. You’ll need to follow a heart-healthy diet while taking Lipitor. The medication may not work as well otherwise.
Does Lipitor cause muscle damage?
Although not common, Lip itor can cause myopathy (muscle pain or weakness) and muscle damage.
Why do some people think drugs like Lipitor are bad for you?
(A medication class is a group of medications that work together in a similar way). Some people think statin drugs, such as Lipitor, have too many risks.
How long does it take for lipitor to work?
Lipitor begins working as soon as you take your dose. It reaches its highest levels in your blood about 1 to 2 hours after you take your dose. Most people see improvements in cholesterol within 2 to 4 weeks.
What does Lipitor do?
Precautions. Lipitor is a statin. It reduces levels of triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood and increases levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Lipitor is its brand name. People also know it as atorvastatin. Doctors often prescribe Lipitor and other statins to treat dyslipidemia ...
Why do doctors prescribe lipitor?
Doctors often prescribe Lipitor and other statins to treat dyslipidemia and to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in those who are at high risk . If a person has dyslipidemia, or hyperlipidemia, they have a high level of cholesterol, triglycerides, or both, in the blood.
What is the best medication for high cholesterol?
A doctor may prescribe Lipitor if a person has high cholesterol. Lipitor belongs to a class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. Other statins include fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. Statins stop the body from producing bad cholesterol by suppressing an enzyme in the liver, ...
Why do you need Lipitor for CVD?
high blood pressure. These can happen when cholesterol accumulates in the blood vessels. A doctor may prescribe Lipitor to stop many types of CVD from developing or coming back.
How do statins stop the body from producing bad cholesterol?
Statins stop the body from producing bad cholesterol by suppressing an enzyme in the liver, called HMG-CoA reductase. The enzyme is vital for cholesterol production.
What is it called when you have high lipid levels?
Some people have abnormally high levels of lipids in their blood. The name of this is dyslipidemia, or hyperlipidemia.
Does lipitor cause liver problems?
joint, muscle, and back pain. nausea and digestive problems. inflammation of the nasal passages. throat pain. nose bleeds. allergic reactions. Lipitor can also increase blood sugar levels, and it can affect liver function in up to 1 in 10 people.
How much does lipitor reduce stroke risk?
In a 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that patients taking Lipitor after their first stroke saw a 16 percent reduction in the risk of another stroke compared to subjects taking a placebo [source: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science ].
How many people have been prescribed lipitor?
Lipitor: What You Need to Know. Name that drug. If you take Lipitor to lower your cholesterol, you're not alone. More than 29 million people have been prescribed Lipitor, making it the No. 1 prescribed cholesterol medication in the world [source: Lipitor ].
What is the name of the enzyme that produces cholesterol?
Statins were created in Japan in the early 1970s, after research showed that an enzyme called hydroxyl-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (H MG-CoA), located in the liver, produced as much as 80 percent of the cholesterol count in the body.
When was the first statin invented?
The first statin, mevastatin, was developed in Japan in 1971 , and several others followed over the years. Lipitor is the marketing name for atorvastatin. Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA.
Does Lipitor lower cholesterol?
Lipitor could lower bad cholesterol by 39 to 60 percent, depending on the dosage [source: Lipitor ]. Advertisement. Lipitor also works to a lesser extent to increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or the good cholesterol; the medication has been shown to raise HDL by 5 to 9 percent [source: Lipitor ].
Is Lipitor good for humans?
While the animal studies provided disappointing results, Lipitor immediately showed great promise for humans. In a study of 24 people, just 10 milligrams of Lipitor lowered counts of LDL, or bad cholesterol, by 38 percent, and at 80 milligrams, LDL was decreased by 58 percent [source: Winslow ]. In both instances, these were significantly higher results than any other drug in this class could provide, even at higher doses.
Is Lipitor the cheapest cholesterol medication?
After all, Lipitor isn't the only cholesterol-reducing medication on the market, and it's certainly not the cheapest.
Why is lipitor used?
Lipitor is used along with diet and exercise to treat your condition. Your Lipitor dose may need to be lowered if your cholesterol and triglyceride levels improve.
How does a doctor determine the best lipitor?
Your doctor will determine the best Lipitor dose for you based on your overall health and the severity of the condition you’re taking Lipitor to treat.
What are the typical dosages of Lipitor?
Your doctor will typically follow dosage recommendations and guidelines for your condition based on studies of the drug. They’ll determine the right dosage for you and adjust your dosage over time if needed.
Is there a certain dosage of Lipitor used for older adults?
No, there’s no specific recommended dosage for older adults taking Lipitor. But according to studies, Lipitor may be more effective at lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in older adults compared with younger people taking the same dose.
What is the best treatment for high cholesterol?
If you have high cholesterol or certain risk factors for heart disease or stroke, your doctor might suggest Lipitor (atorvastatin) as a treatment option for you.
What is the name of the drug that blocks cholesterol?
Lipitor belongs to a group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (commonly called statins ). They work by blocking a certain type of enzyme (protein) that produces cholesterol in your body.
What to do if you forget to take Lipitor?
If you forget to take your dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s been more than 12 hours since you were supposed to take your dose, just skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at its regular time.
What to do if you have side effects from Lipitor?
If you develop serious side effects while taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away . If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number .
What are Lipitor’s side effects in males vs. in females?
Lipitor’s side effects didn’t differ between males and females during clinical trials .*
Do Lipitor’s side effects vary based on its strength (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)?
Lipitor’s side effects don’t vary based on the strength of the drug. However, some side effects happen more or less often depending on its strength.
Can Lipitor cause any long-term side effects?
It’s possible for Lipitor to cause long-term side effects, but this is not common.
Does Lipitor treatment affect my blood pressure?
Changes in blood pressure weren’t reported in people taking Lipitor in clinical trials.
What to do if you have muscle weakness while taking lipitor?
If you have muscle weakness or pain while you’re taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. They can order lab tests to check your creatinine kinase levels.
What is the substance in myopathy?
With myopathy you have muscle pain and weakness. And you also have high levels of a substance called creatinine kinase in your blood.
How to prevent statin side effects?
Try coenzyme Q10 supplements. Coenzyme Q10 supplements may help prevent statin side effects in some people, though more studies are needed to determine any benefits of taking it. Talk to your doctor first to make sure the supplement won't interact with any of your other medications.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat irregular heartbeats?
Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms
What drugs interact with statins?
Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include: Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms. Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug.
Can statins cause heart attacks?
Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins block a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol. This causes your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood. If you think you're experiencing side effects from statins, don't just stop taking the pills.
Does statin help with heart attack?
Sign up now. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
Can statins cause liver damage?
While statins are highly effective and safe for most people, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people who take them and may rarely cause liver damage.
Do statins increase blood sugar?
Statins prevent heart attacks in people with diabetes, so the relevance of the mild increase in sugar values with statins observed in some people is unclear. The benefit of taking statins likely outweighs the small risk to have the blood sugar level go up. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
How should I take Lipitor?
Take Lipitor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
How long does it take for lipitor to work?
Lipitor starts to work in about 2 weeks. Lipitor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
What is the best medication for high cholesterol?
Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors such as genetically high cholesterol. Lipitor is for use in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
What is the drug group for atorvastatin?
Lipitor ( atorvastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins.". Lipitor is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). ...
How long does it take for cholesterol to improve?
surgery or a medical emergency. It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood test.
What are the side effects of Lipitor?
Common Lipitor side effects may include: joint pain; stuffy nose, sore throat; diarrhea; or. pain in your arms or legs. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Lipitor side effects (more detail)
What happens if you are allergic to lipitor?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lipitor: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
