Drug title

Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

Usage indications

Lipitor is used during diet change (limitation of cholesterol and fats) to decrease the amount of cholesterol and some fats in blood. 

Due to cholesterol and fats accumulation along arteries wall (atherosclerosis) the blood inflow is decreased by thus decreasing the inflow of oxygen to heart, brain and other parts of your body. The decrease of cholesterol and fat level in blood will help you to prevent heart problems, stenocardia (chest pain), strokes and heart attacks.

Application mode

Lipitor is for inside intake in form of pills. These pills are taken as a rule once a day during or after meal. Your doctor can recommend you to start from small dose by gradually increasing it. 

Continue taking Lipitor even if you feel better. Do not stop Lipitor without prior consultation with doctor. Eat food with low cholesterol and fat level.

Mechanism of action

Atorvastatin is a drug decreasing cholesterol level in blood. It is related to “statine” drugs, including lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Leskol) and pravastatin (Pravachol). 

All statines including atorvastatin prevent the cholesterol production in liver by blocking the ferment responsible for cholesterol formation - HMGCoA reductase. 

They decrease general cholesterol level in blood. (LDL is considered to be “bad” cholesterol as it prompts the development of coronary arteries disease.) LDL cholesterol decrease slows the disease development down and even cures it. Unlike other drugs of such type atorvastatine can increase the triglycerides concentration in blood. The high  triglyceride concentration can cause ischemic heart disease. Atorvastatin had been approved by FDA in December 1996.

Missed doses

During single miss of doze intake, it is necessary to take the doze as soon as possible. If the time of missed doze intake corresponds to the time of next doze intake the drug intake should be missed. The double dosage is prohibited for intake.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container away from children, excessive heat and humidity (not in the bath room). Throw away any old or unnecessary drugs. Consult with your doctor on your drugs correct utilization.

Precautions

Do not take Lipitor without prior consultation with doctor in case you have liver diseases. 

Inform your doctor in case you have serious muscle disease requiring serious surgery or blood disease before Lipitor intake. 

Lipitor is not recommended, the dose correction or special observation during treatment if you suffer from any of the aforementioned diseases. Lipitor causes fetus innate defects if taken during pregnancy. Do not take Lipitor during pregnancy or can get pregnant. The Lipitor absorption by mother milk had not been studied. Consult your doctor on this drug intake if you do breast feeding.

Side effects

Lipitor side effects are not common but they might occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following side effects persist or irritate:

• gases
• stomach pain or spasms
• diarrhea
• constipation
• heart burn
• headache
• blurred vision
• giddiness
• rash or itch
• stomach upset

Contact your doctor if you feel any of the following symptoms:

• muscle pain
• muscle spasms or weakness together with fever or without it.

Additional information

Consult your doctor on any additional information about Lipitor.