Information About Lipitor

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

How To Use
Follow the directions for using Lipitor provided by your doctor. Lipitor may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take Lipitor at the same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, since many of the medicines listed in the Before Using section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with Lipitor. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking Lipitor. STORE Lipitor at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Lipitor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Lipitor include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. Lipitor MAY INFREQUENTLY cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking Lipitor and tell your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience joint pain, chest pain, or swelling in the arms or legs. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, black stool, or severe stomach pain. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of Lipitor unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS before the full benefits of Lipitor takes effect. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING Lipitor even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., liver function tests, blood cholesterol levels) while you are using Lipitor. THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Lipitor. Using Lipitor alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DAILY USE OF ALCOHOL may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. BEFORE HAVING ANY KIND OF SURGERY, tell your doctor that you are taking Lipitor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING Lipitor IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE Lipitor if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures while taking Lipitor, since it may cause fetal harm. Lipitor IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Lipitor.

Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not share this Lipitor with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.