Lipitor (Atorvastatin) belongs to a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) helps treating patients who have high clolesterol levels. This medicine also helps reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other heart complications in patients with risk factors for heart disease. Atorvastatin used together with proper diet and exercise helps lowering the level of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in the blood and increases the level of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in the blood. Atorvastatin decreases the amount of cholesterol in the blood by blocking an enzyme that makes cholesterol in the body.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Lipitor (Atorvastatin) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Do not break a Lipitor tablet before taking it. Do not stop taking Liptor without talking to your doctor. Stopping this medicine may increase your risk of a blot clot.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Lipitor (Atorvastatin) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver problems or liver disease;

• muscle pain or weakness;

• kidney disease;

• diabetes;

• history of stroke;

• a thyroid disorder;

• if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily; or

• if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding.

Lipitor can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure.

Atorvastatin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Contact your doctor at once if you have:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Unexplained muscle pain.
• Tenderness or weakness especially if you also have fever.
• Unusual tiredness.
• Pain or burning when you urinate.
• Upper stomach pain, weakness, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (signs of liver problems).
• Little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath (signs of kidney problems).

Common Lipitor side effects may include:

• Joint pain.
• Stuffy nose, sore throat.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter of grapefruit juice per day while taking this medicine.