Lipitol Side Effects
Lipitor is a prescription medication that is commonly used for the treatment of high cholesterol. The medicine functions by obstructing cholesterol production within the body. It decreases LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol within the blood, as well as the overall cholesterol levels. This medication also helps reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. There are several different side effects that could happen due to taking Lipitor.
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Common Side Effects
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There are some common Lipitor side effects, which are generally not seen as cause for alarm, since they tend to rapidly subside once the body adjusts to the medication. These side effects include weakness, gas, constipation, upset stomach, stomachache, and headache. If you have any of these side effects, and if they are especially long-lasting or if they get worse with time, you need to alert your physician of the situation.
Serious Side Effects
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Serious side effects of Lipitor are less common, but occur occasionally. These side effects call for emergency medical attention, as they could have some harmful consequences. They are joint ache, muscle weakness, tenderness, or ache (sometimes accompanied by exhaustion and fever), blistered, red, swollen or peeling skin, yellowing of the skin or the eyes (jaundice), darker colored urine, chills, lingering sore throat, joint, bone, or tendon ache, extreme stomachache, the feet, hands, or ankles becoming swollen, pale stools, painful urination, urinating with more frequency, chest pain, and changes in the amount of urine (more or less than usual).
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Allergic Reactions
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Serious allergic reactions to Lipitor are uncommon, but call for immediate medical help, as they could be dangerous. Some signs of allergic reaction to this medication include having a hard time breathing, chest tightness, hives, skin rash, itchiness, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, or face.
Warnings
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People who take Lipitor are advised against consuming alcohol while they are using the medication. This is due to the fact that alcohol is capable of increasing levels of triglycerides, and also can cause destruction to the liver. Also, both grapefruit (and grapefruit juice) can lead to interactions with Lipitor, and bring upon some harmful side effects. It is important to speak with your doctor before consuming either grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking Lipitor.
Caution
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When considering taking Lipitor, it is crucial to speak with your doctor regarding the matter beforehand. Your doctor must be informed of your entire medical history, as well as any allergies and current medical conditions that you might have. This is especially important if you have kidney disease, diabetes, any muscle disorder, or underactive thyroid. These conditions could call for not taking Lipitor at all, or dosage changes or specialized testing in order to be able to do so safely and effectively.
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