Lipitor (Atorvastatin) belongs to the group of medications known as "statins". Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is used to treat high cholesterol and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. This medication reduces levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). It works by blocking an enzyme that is used to make cholesterol in the liver. When that enzyme is blocked, less cholesterol is produced and the amount of cholesterol in the blood decreases. The recommended starting dose is 10mg and 20mg once daily.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Lipitor is manufactured by Pfizer. We currently have the generic from Canada also called PRZ-Atorvastatin manufactured by Pharmaris. We may sometimes carry the generic from Canada by PharmaScience (Pms-Atorvastatin), and Mylan or Apotex. It also may come from other manufacturers around the world. Other alternative names are also called Apotex-Atorvastatin, Atorlip, or Biovas. Lipitor is available in tablet form and strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Atorvastatin.
• Difficulty breathing;
• Hives;
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
Stop taking Lipitor and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Confusion or memory problems;
• Fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colour urine;
• Increased thirst, urination, hunger, dry mouth, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, or weight loss;
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, jaundice
Less serious side effects of Atorvastatin may include:
• Diarrhea;
• Mild muscle pain;
• Mild nausea
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
People who drink large quantities of alcohol should be closely monitored by their doctor while they are taking this medication. There is an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke if it is started within 6 months of having a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Atorvastatin may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. It may be necessary for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication. It is important to combine a cholesterol-reducing diet along with appropriate exercise while taking this medication. This medication should not be used by people with active liver disease or by people whose liver function tests are higher than normal. There may be an interaction between Atorvastatin and other medications such as aripiprazole, birth control pills, itraconazole, carvedilol, colchicines, cyclosporine, diltiazem, etc. If you are taking any of these medications, consult with your doctor.