BRAND NAMES
HMG-CoA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS
ATORVASTATIN-
Caduet,
Lipitor FLUVASTATIN-
Lescol,
Lescol XL LOVASTATIN-
Advicor,
Altocor,
Mevacor,
Mevinolin
PRAVASTATIN-
Eptastatin,
Pravachol,
Pravigard PAC ROSUVASTATIN-
Creator
SIMVASTATIN-
Synvinolin,
Vytorin,
Zocor
BASIC LIPITOR INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Antihyperllpidemic
LIPITOR MEDICAL USES
Lipitor Lowers blood cholesterol levels caused by
low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in persons who
haven't improved by exercising, dieting or
using other measures and raises high density
lipoproteins (HDL-C).
- Lipitor should be used in combination with a low-fat diet to slow
the progression of atherosclerosis in patients
with coronary heart disease and high
cholesterol levels.
- Reduces risk of heart attacks and strokes in
certain patients.
- Lowers triglyceride levels.
MEDICAL DOSAGE & LIPITOR USAGE
How to take Lipitor:
-Tablet or capsule: Swallow Lipitor with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble Lipitor tablet and take with liquid or food.
-Extended release tablet: Swallow with liquid. Do not crush or chew tablet.
When to take Lipitor:
- According to directions on prescription.
If you forget a Lipitor dose:
-
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What Lipitor does:
-
Inhibits an enzyme in the liver.
Time lapse before drug works:
- 2 to 4 weeks.
Don't take with:
- A high-fat diet.
- Any other medicine or any dietary supplement
without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
 LIPITOR OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
None expected.
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 LIPITOR SIDE EFFECTS
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Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common Lipitor Side Effects:
None expected.
Infrequent Lipitor Side Effects:
Aching muscles, fever, blurred vision.
Constipation, nausea, dizziness, skin rash, headache, diarrhea, heartburn.
Rare Lipitor Side Effects:
Muscle or stomach pain, unusual tiredness or weakness.
Impotence, insomnia.
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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Don't take LIPITOR if:
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You are allergic to any HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
Before you start LIPITOR, consult your doctor if:
- You take immunosuppressive drugs, particularly following an organ transplant.
- You have low blood pressure.
- You have hormone abnormalities.
- You have an active infection.
- You have active liver disease.
- You have a seizure disorder.
- You have a history of alcohol abuse.
- You have had recent surgery.
Over age 60:
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Likely to be more sensitive to drug's side effects.
Pregnancy:
-
Consult doctor.
Breast-feeding:
-
Discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.
- Consult doctor for advice about milk supply.
Infants & children:
-
Not recommended for children.
Prolonged use:
-
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, serum cholesterol, eyes.
Skin & sunlight:
-
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
- No special problems expected.
Discontinuing:
-
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor.
- Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time.
- Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
- Request liver function tests and eye examinations before beginning this medicine and repeat every 2 to 6 months.
- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
- Cholesterol lowering drugs may cause muscle problems or rhabdomyolysis (muscle injury).
- If you develop persistent muscle aches, pain or weakness or urine turns dark, call the doctor right away.
- Use an effective form of birth control while taking this drug.
- Notify your doctor
right away if you do become pregnant.
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