LIPITOR (ATORVASTATIN)

About Lipitor and How it Works

Lipitor belongs to a group of medications called “statins,” which lower cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation buildup of cholesterol and other fatty substances on the walls of your arteries. These deposits known as plaques can reduce the flow of blood through your arteries and increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Lipitor is most often prescribed for the treatment of high cholesterol, though it is not a cure for this condition. Atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, works by reducing the production of “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol by the liver while simultaneously increasing “good” HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Lipitor medication comes in pill form, and should be taken orally. A prescription is required to buy Lipitor or the generic called Atorvastatin. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Lipitor

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is found in every cell in your body. It helps to produce cell membranes, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help you digest fat. However, high cholesterol can cause an unhealthy accumulation of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Blockage of these blood vessels limits the amount of blood and oxygen that is carried to the heart and brain. In the heart this may result in chest pain known as angina or even a heart attack, while in the brain this may result in a stroke.

High cholesterol can be detected with a blood test, but does not have symptoms that will alert you to the condition. High cholesterol may be inherited, but is more often due to unhealthy life choices. Regular cholesterol testing is important, especially if any of the following applies to you: family history of high cholesterol; high blood pressure; diabetes; heart disease; obesity; poor diet, lack of exercise; smoking.

Lipitor can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pain in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as; age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL-C, and heart disease in the family.

Before You Take Lipitor

Before receiving a prescription to buy Lipitor, you should inform your doctor of any medical conditions and allergies you have and provide a list of any Rx drugs and over-the-counter medications you take, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Lipitor is safe for you to take.

You should not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Atorvastatin may be harmful to an unborn baby. If you do become pregnant while taking Lipitor you should stop taking it and contact your doctor right away.

Lipitor Precautions

Tell your doctor if you notice unexplained muscle pain, fever, or dark colored urine while taking Lipitor or Atorvastatin generic, as this may signal a breakdown of skeletal muscular tissue.

Lipitor’s effectiveness can be negatively impacted if you drink alcohol or eat foods high in fat and cholesterol, so make sure to avoid these during your treatment. You should not start, stop, or change the Lipitor dosage or other medications without consulting with your doctor first.

Possible Lipitor Side Effects

• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Confusion and memory loss
• Dark colored urine
• Fever
• Nausea
• Increased thirst