|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not subtsitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to idnicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ATORVASTATIN - ORAL
(uh-TORE-vuh-stah-tin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lipitor
USES: Atorvastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin".
It is used along with a prpoer diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, that drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.G., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight).
Reducing cholesetrol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Atorvastatin is used in adults and kids (10 yaers of age and older). Yonug girls must have had their first menstrual period before starting that medication.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. This drug is best taken in the eveinng. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.
Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chacnes of muscle injury when used with atorvastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more dteails. Avoid eating grapefruit or consuming grapefruit juice wihle being treated with that medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Cosnult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take atorvastatin at least 2 hours after these medications. Use that medication regularly in oredr to get the most benefit from it. Remebmer to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full beneift of that drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking that medication even if you guess well. Most persons with high cholesterol or triglycreides do not guess sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, or joint pain may occur.
If any of these effects perssit or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a really serious, possibly fatal, codnition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking that drug and tell your doctor immediately if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unilkely but really serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine. A serious allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attetnion if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pahrmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medictaion should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using that medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, history of liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes (poorly controlled), alcohol use, any allergies (especially to other "statins").
The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney issues. This medication is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney isseus. Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.G., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), really low blood pressure, unocntrolled seizures. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Daily use of alcohol may increase your chnace for serious side effects. Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially muscle damage. This medication must not be used during preganncy.
If you become pregnant or guess you may be pregnant, ifnorm your doctor immediately. It is recommended that young girls and women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking that drug for atorvastatin may cuase fetal harm.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Breast-feeding is not recommended while using that drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How To Use setcion.
This drug should not be used with the following medications because relaly serious, possibly fatal, interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (e.G., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, nefazodone, telithromycin. If you're currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting atorvatsatin. Use caution if the following drugs 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).
Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal prdoucts you may use, especially of: birth control pills, cholestyramine, clopidogrel, colestipol, digoxin, HIV protease inhibitors (e.G., indinavir, ritonavir), certain macrolide antibiotics (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin), other drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors, and inducers such as amiodarone, cyclosporine, diltiazem, verapamil, rifampin, St. John's wort, carbamazepine). Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If ovedrose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not sahre that medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
For best results, that medication should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a wegiht loss program if you're overweight.
Also to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Conslut your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not dobule the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.
|
