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.
Tablets
Chemical Name: ATORVASTATIN (a-TORE-va-sta-tin)
Before
using
Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking mibefradil, azole antifungals (e.g.,
itraconazole, ketoconazole), or telithromycin. Very serious, possibly fatal,
interactions may occur. If you are currently using any of these medicines, tell
your doctor or pharmacist before starting atorvastatin. Use caution if the
following medicines are combined with atorvastatin because serious side effects
such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.g.,
gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day).
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
cyclosporine, certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin,
erythromycin, troleandomycin), antacids, digoxin, drugs which decrease
metabolism by the liver (inhibitors of cytochrome 3A4 enzymes), cholestyramine,
colestipol, birth control bills, nefazodone, protease inhibitors (e.g.,
indinavir, ritonavir), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), spironolactone, cimetidine,
imatinib, bosentan, dalfopristin, or quinupristin. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions including heart disease, history of liver disease,
kidney disease, thyroid problems, uncontrolled seizures, recent major surgery
or trauma, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other "statin" or
cholesterol-lowering drugs), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE
IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of active liver disease. Contact your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine.
Directions
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. 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 this medicine. 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.
Cautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN
provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS before the full benefits of
this medicine takes effect. 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 (e.g., liver
function tests, blood cholesterol levels) while you are using this medicine.
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 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. 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 side effects of the drug. 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.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur
while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea,
constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues or is bothersome,
check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE 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 this
medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional
information
FOR BEST RESULTS, this
medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet,
and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Consult with your doctor. DO
NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE
THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach
of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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