Lipitor blog at BlogSpot

Saturday, December 30, 2006

LIPITOR - Atorvastatin

Lipitor Used For

Lipitor is prescribed as a diet supplement to reduce high levels of total-C, LDL-C, apo B, and TG levels and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol levels). Lipitor is indicated to: Reduce the risk of myocardial infarction & reduce the risk for revascularization procedures and angina

Directions for Lipitor medication

The recommended starting dose of Lipitor is 10 or 20 mg once daily and can be taken at any time of the day with or without food. Patients with higher levels of LDL-C may be started on a 40 mg dosage if the doctor advises

How Lipitor drug works

It is recommended that liver function tests be performed prior to and at 12 weeks following both the initiation of therapy and any elevation of dose, and periodically (e.g. half yearly) thereafter. Inform your doctor immediately if you believe that you are pregnant. Lipitor may cause birth defects or other problems in the baby. Check with your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

Side effects of Lipitor medication

Most common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, skin rash and stomach pain; however these side effects usually go away as the body adjusts to the medication. Fever, muscle aches or cramps, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness or weakness may be less common side effects. Higher dosages of Lipitor may cause liver to function abnormally.

Other Lipitor Information

Other common brand names for HMG-COA reductase inhibitors: Altoprev, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor.