High Cholesterol >> Lipitor

Lipitor

Active Ingredients:

• atorvastatin

How does Lipitor work?

Atorvastatin is a hypolipidemic preparation, which works by selectively inhibiting HMG-CoA-reductase, which affects the production of cholesterol in the body. The preparation decreases the levels of triglycerides, VLDL, LDL and slightly elevates the levels of HDL. In most of the patients the clinical effects may be monitored within 2 weeks after the beginning of the therapy and the maximum effects are achieved on the 4th week of treatment.

When Atorvastatin is prescribed?

The preparation is prescribed in treatment of:

• Primary hypercholesterolemia
• Combined hyperlipidemia
• Familial endogenous hypertriglyceridemia
• Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
• Cardiovascular disease caused by dislipidemia

Before taking Lipitor

You should not take Atorvastatin if any of these conditions apply to you:

• Liver failure in acute stage
• Increased activity of liver transaminase
• Liver insufficiency
• Cirrhosis
• Pregnancy
• Lactation period

Lipitor should be used with caution in the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Electrolyte balance impairment
• Endocrine and metabolic disorders
• Alcoholism
• Arterial hypotension
• Sepsis
• Major surgery
• Trauma
• Age prior to 18 years

Application during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

The preparation belongs to FDA pregnancy category - X. Meaning that it is forbidden for use during pregnancy or lactation period.

How Atorvastatin is taken?

You should take Lipitor exactly as indicated by your physician. Do not exceed recommended dosages. Follow the directions of your prescription.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

In cases of missed dosage the preparation should be taken as soon as possible, however if it is already time for the next administration the dosage must not be doubled, and the missed dosage may be forfeited.

What should I do if I overdose?

Please contact your health care provider immediately. There is no specific antidote in treatment of Atorvastatin overdose, simple stomach cleaning procedures may be efficient in some cases. Monitoring of the patients condition is indicated.

Which Atorvastatin side effect are possible while the treatment?

As with any drug, there are some side effects while may occur while taking Lipitor. However, not everyone who takes Atorvastatin will experience side effects. In fact, most patients taking Lipitor tolerate it well. During clinical trials there were reported the following Atorvastatin side effects:

• CNS and sensory organs: headaches, asthenic syndrome, insomnia, dizziness, weakness, somnolence, nightmares, amnesia, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy, emotional lability, coordination problems, facial nerve paralysis, hyperkinesis, depression, conjunctival dryness, glaucoma, change of taste
• Cardiovascular system: Chest pain, increased heart-rate, vasodilation, fainting, migraines, increase in blood pressure, phlebitis, arrhythmia, angina, anemia, thrombocytopenia
• Respiratory system: sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, dyspnoe, bronchial asthma, nasal bleeding
• Gastrointestinal tract:abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, dyspepsia, meteorism, nausea, anorexia or increased appetite, dry mouth, belching, vomiting
• Locomotor system: arthralgia, myalgia, arthritis, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, muscle seizures, muscular hypertonus
• Urogenital system: infections, peripheral swelling
• Skin: allopecia, xerodermia, increased sweating, acne, rash, itching
• Allergic reactions

This is not a complete list of Lipitor side effects. When side effects do occur make sure to inform your health care provider.

Which other medicines can interact with Atorvastatin?

• Immunosuppressors
• Other hypolipidemic drugs
• Vitamins especially PP
• Antimycotics
• Antacids
• Cardiac glycosides
• Oral contraceptives
• Antibiotics
• H2-histamine receptor blockers

Make sure to inform your health care provide about prescription and over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements, and other medical preparations you are currently taking. Do not begin a new medication without letting your doctor know.

How Lipitor should be stored?

The preparation should be kept away from children. Keep away from direct light and moisture, the temperature should not exceed 25C.

Additional information

You should not share this medicine with others. Do not take Atorvastatin on your own initiative without your doctors approval. Keep the drug as well as any other disposable material out of the reach of children.