How to Take Lipitor

High cholesterol is a common problem in people, especially today with the availability of fatty fast food and the decrease in the amount of exercise people do. Drugs like Lipitor, which is the brand name product of the drug atorvastatin, is prescribed to lower the amounts of LDL cholesterol (which is bad), total cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein while increasing the amount of HDL cholesterol (which is good) in your blood. Lowering the bad cholesterol in your blood helps to decrease the chances of heart problems, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription for Lipitor

Instructions

1. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking Lipitor. Read the information that comes with your prescription carefully and if you have any questions, ask your doctor before starting the medication.

2. Take Lipitor with a full glass of water. If your stomach becomes upset, it is safe to take it with food.

3. Take Lipitor at the same time every day. To achieve the best results it's important to keep a regular schedule. Set a time that is easy to remember, like before breakfast.

4. Schedule suggested blood tests to check your liver functions and monitor any side effects of Lipitor. Do not skip any scheduled appointments.

5. Combine your Lipitor prescription with a low-fat diet and exercise program to achieve the best results. Avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol.

Tips & Warnings

• If you miss a dose of Lipitor you need to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose you should skip the missed dose and continue taking Lipitor as prescribed.

• Continue taking Lipitor as prescribed, even if you think you don't need it. You may need to take the medication for an extended period and only your doctor will know for sure.

• Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, chronic muscular disease, a blood disorder, drink alcohol or require major surgery. You may not be able to take Lipitor or your dosage may need to be altered.

• Less serious side effects from taking Lipitor include headache, upset stomach, flatulence and rash. If the problems persist or worsen you should contact your doctor.

• The symptoms from an overdose of Lipitor have not been determined. If you feel you may have overdosed you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Watch for the signs of an allergic reaction, which include hives, breathing trouble and swelling of the face, lips, throat and tongue. Get medical attention if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.

• Serious side effects from taking Lipitor include decreased urine, rust colored urine, blurred vision, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, jaundice, flu-like symptoms, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue and pale-colored stools. Stop taking Lipitor and seek medical attention if you notice any of these serious side effects.

• Some drugs could have adverse effects when combined with Lipitor. Inform your doctor if you have recently taken or are currently taking cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, clofibrate, fenofibrate, niacin, erythtomycin, clarithromycin, chloestyramine, colestipol, hormonal birth control, itraconazole, fluconazole or ketocoazole.