Generic Lipitor (Atorovastatin Calcium) tablets is a prescription drug used with diet to lower cholesterol.
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Generic Lipitor Uses
Generic Lipitor 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.
How to use Generic Lipitor
Follow the directions for using Generic Lipitor provided by your doctor. Generic Lipitor may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take Generic Lipitor at the same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, since many of the medicines listed in the Before Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with Generic Lipitor. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking Generic Lipitor. STORE Generic Lipitor 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 Generic Lipitor, 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.
Generic Lipitor Cautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS before the full benefits of Generic Lipitor takes effect. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING Generic Lipitor even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., liver function tests, blood cholesterol levels) while you are using Generic Lipitor. THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Generic Lipitor. Using Generic Lipitor 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. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking Generic Lipitor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING Generic Lipitor IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE Generic Lipitor 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 Generic Lipitor, since it may cause fetal harm. Generic Lipitor IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Generic Lipitor.
Generic Lipitor Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Generic Lipitor include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. Generic Lipitor MAY INFREQUENTLY cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this drug and tell your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience joint pain, chest pain, or swelling in the arms or legs. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, black stool, or severe stomach pain. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of Generic Lipitor unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. |
