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Lipitor |
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What is Lipitor and why is it prescribed? Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Your doctor may prescribe Lipitor along with a special diet if your blood cholesterol or triglyceride level is high enough to put you in danger of heart disease, and you have been unable to lower your readings by diet alone. Lipitor works by helping to clear harmful low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol out of the blood and by limiting the body's ability to form new LDL cholesterol. Lipitor is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important to remember that Lipitor is a supplement, not a substitute, for those other measures. To get the full benefit of Lipitor, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. How should you take Lipitor? Follow your doctors directions for taking Lipitor. Lipitor should be taken once a day, with or without food. You can take it in the morning or the evening, but should hold to the same time each day. Lipitor generally begins working within 2 weeks. For an even greater cholesterol-lowering effect, your doctor may prescribe Lipitor along with a different kind of lipid-lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid. It's important to avoid taking the two drugs at the same time of day. Take Lipitor at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after the other drug. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Lipitor at room temperature. Are there any Lipitor side effects? Lipitor side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Lipitor side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, accidental injury, acne, allergic reaction, amnesia, back pain, black stools, bleeding, breast enlargement, changes in eyesight, changes in taste sensation, chest pain, constipation, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, distorted facial muscles, dizziness, dry eyes, fatigue, fever, flu symptoms, fluid retention, gas, hair loss, headache, hearing difficulties, heartburn, increased muscle movement, increased sensations, indigestion, inflammation of sinus and nasal passages, insomnia, itching, joint pain, lack of coordination, leg cramps, muscle aching or weakness, purple or red spots on the skin, rash, respiratory problems, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, skin irritations, sore throat, strange dreams, sweating, tingling of extremities, unstable emotions, urinary problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Lipitor? If Lipitor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lipitor with Antacids (such as Maalox TC Suspension), Colestipol (Colestid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, others), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, Slo-Niacin), or Oral contraceptives. Are there any special warnings about Lipitor? There is a slight chance of liver damage from Lipitor, so your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver function before you start taking Lipitor, again 12 weeks after you begin therapy or your dosage is increased, and every 6 months thereafter. If the tests reveal a problem, you may have to stop using Lipitor. Drugs like Lipitor have occasionally been known to damage muscle tissue, so be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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