Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Review

Atorvastatin is the generic form of Lipitor. This medication is most often used in the treatment of high cholesterol with a combination of exercise and diet therapy. Atorvastatin is also prescribed to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol in the bloodstream. Using this medication in people with Type II diabetes or those with coronary heart disease can help prevent the vascular problems associated with these diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and vascular disease.

Atorvastatin is not a medicine that can be tolerated well by all patients. Physicians should perform a thorough work up and health examination before prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history including under active thyroid, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic muscular disease, blood disorder, muscle disorder, or have recently had serious surgery, will have major surgery, or the use of alcoholic beverages may not be able to take atorvastatin, or may require continual monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated this medication as a pregnancy risk category X, which means that there is an undeniable connection between serious birth defects and fetal damage and this medicine. Atorvastatin passes into the mother’s breast milk and is likely to harm a nursing baby. Women who are pregnant or nursing, or who may become pregnant, should not take this medication. Women should use non-hormone based birth control. Hormone based birth control may be rendered ineffective.

If the patient should miss a scheduled dose of atorvastatin, the dose should be taken immediately upon remembering. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped in order to avoid over medication or an overdose.

An overdose is a very serious medical condition and should be treated as such. The patient will require immediate emergency medical care. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth.

Most patients are likely to experience mild, common side effects especially when first starting their regular dosing of atorvastatin. Common side effects are likely to include, but are not limited to muscle pain, stuffy nose, skin rash with appropriate itching, nausea, stomach pain, stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation, or stomach cramping. Mild side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician. A dosage adjustment can often make the symptoms of side effects better.

There are some medications that can not be mixed well with atorvastatin. Patients should be advised to consult with the prescribing physician before taking any type of new medication, including over the counter medicines, prescriptions, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Medicines with known histories of negative interactions with atorvastatin include HIV and AIDS medicines, cyclosporine, erythromycin, digoxin, antifungal medications, niacin, and gemfibrozil.

Patients should avoid alcoholic beverages, grapefruit, and grapefruit derived products. Grapefruit can cause serious and potentially harmful interactions with atorvastatin.

This medication does not work on its own. The patient must be willing to alter their daily routines, including their daily diet and their level of daily exercise. Eating high cholesterol and foods high in saturated fats while taking this medication may result in unpleasant side effects including anal leakage, distressed gaseous releases, and sour auditory releases. These effects can be embarrassing and can cause the patient to become deterred from a healthier lifestyle. This medication should only be taken for as long as it has been prescribed.