Atorvastatin is the generic form of the brand name medicine Lipitor. It’s used together with a healthy lifestyle to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the blood and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the “good" cholesterol) levels.

This medicine is also given to lessen the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may also help a person with heart disease or someone at risk of developing heart disease.

Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in your body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1996.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

You should not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver failure or cirrhosis.

Atorvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

muscle pain or weakness;
diabetes;
stroke;
a thyroid disorder;
a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day; or
kidney disease.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Muscle problems may be more likely in older adults and those who have kidney problems, thyroid problems, or take certain other medicines.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

pain in your bones, spine, joints, or muscles;
pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;
muscle spasms;
upset stomach;
trouble sleeping;
stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat;
diarrhea, nausea; or
pain in your arms or legs.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

Use Lipitor (Atorvastatin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not change your dose or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor's advice.

Atorvastatin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take with or without food. atorvastatin tablet

It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Throw away in the trash any unused liquid 60 days after opening the bottle.

Take medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. atorvastatin liquid

Shake the (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). oral suspension

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Lipitor (Atorvastatin)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. take two doses at one time. Do not