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All About Lipitor
Medically reviewed by Amber R.
These could be symptoms of more serious conditions, including:rhabdomyolysis (for details, see “Rhabdomyolysis” below)immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (a rare condition in which your immune system attacks your muscles and breaks them down)
What might help
Staying well hydrated and increasing exercise intensity and frequency at a slow and steady pace can help minimize joint and muscle pain. If you have mild muscle or joint pain, your doctor may lower your dose of Lipitor.
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Kevin Wang 2 minutes ago
Or they may prescribe a different drug to treat your condition. If you have extreme or unexplained m...
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Harper Kim 6 minutes ago
In most cases, muscle and joint pain will go away once you stop taking Lipitor.
Rhabdomyolysis
Or they may prescribe a different drug to treat your condition. If you have extreme or unexplained muscle pain while taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. They may have you stop taking the drug while they check for signs of more severe muscle damage.
In most cases, muscle and joint pain will go away once you stop taking Lipitor.
Rhabdomyolysis
In some cases, Lipitor can cause rhabdomyolysis.
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Audrey Mueller 60 minutes ago
This is a rare but serious side effect of statins, including Lipitor. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when you...
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Andrew Wilson 56 minutes ago
These tissues are often too much for the kidneys to filter and can lead to kidney damage. In rare ca...
This is a rare but serious side effect of statins, including Lipitor. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when your body starts breaking down skeletal muscle tissues. As these tissues break down, they are released into your body, and your kidneys filter them.
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Sophia Chen 3 minutes ago
These tissues are often too much for the kidneys to filter and can lead to kidney damage. In rare ca...
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Amelia Singh 71 minutes ago
Minor cases of rhabdomyolysis may not cause any noticeable symptoms. But symptoms to watch for inclu...
These tissues are often too much for the kidneys to filter and can lead to kidney damage. In rare cases, rhabdomyolysis may cause permanent kidney damage (including kidney failure) and can even be fatal. If you have concerns about your risk of rhabdomyolysis during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor.
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Sophie Martin 12 minutes ago
Minor cases of rhabdomyolysis may not cause any noticeable symptoms. But symptoms to watch for inclu...
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Brandon Kumar 72 minutes ago
Treating this condition early may help limit damage to your kidneys.
Diarrhea
Some people t...
Minor cases of rhabdomyolysis may not cause any noticeable symptoms. But symptoms to watch for include:nauseaurine that is brown, red, or cola-coloredsevere muscle pain and weakness, which may make it hard to move your muscles
What might help
A few steps you can take to help prevent rhabdomyolysis include:staying well hydratedif you exercise, don’t increase how often you work out or the intensity of your exercise too quicklytalking with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any dietary supplements, including those with caffeine, creatine, and ephedra
If you experience any of the symptoms above, seek medical care right away.
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Jack Thompson 20 minutes ago
Treating this condition early may help limit damage to your kidneys.
Diarrhea
Some people t...
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Natalie Lopez 12 minutes ago
This was one of Lipitor’s most common side effects reported in studies. Diarrhea is typically wors...
Treating this condition early may help limit damage to your kidneys.
Diarrhea
Some people taking Lipitor may experience diarrhea.
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Daniel Kumar 23 minutes ago
This was one of Lipitor’s most common side effects reported in studies. Diarrhea is typically wors...
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Liam Wilson 30 minutes ago
To learn more about managing diarrhea, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest over-th...
This was one of Lipitor’s most common side effects reported in studies. Diarrhea is typically worse when you first start taking Lipitor, and it usually gets better after taking the drug for a few days. Symptoms of diarrhea include:watery stoolsbelly pain and crampsbloatingweight lossfeverbody aches or chills
What might help
If you have diarrhea during your Lipitor treatment, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated.
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Mason Rodriguez 8 minutes ago
To learn more about managing diarrhea, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest over-th...
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Scarlett Brown 47 minutes ago
While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in clinical studies of Lipitor, it can still happen. Sympt...
To learn more about managing diarrhea, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest over-the-counter treatments, such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).Allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to Lipitor.
While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in clinical studies of Lipitor, it can still happen. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:skin rashitchinessflushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible.
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Brandon Kumar 88 minutes ago
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyeli...
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.
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Christopher Lee 3 minutes ago
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Lipitor. But if you think you’re h...
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Julia Zhang 32 minutes ago
Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Form and str...
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Lipitor. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
What is Lipitor s dosage
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Lipitor that’s right for you.
Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Form and strengths
Lipitor comes as a tablet that you swallow.
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Christopher Lee 32 minutes ago
It’s available in four strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
Recommended dos...
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Jack Thompson 104 minutes ago
The dosage you take will depend on the condition you’re using the drug to treat. For adults taking...
It’s available in four strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
Recommended dosages
Lipitor’s lowest dose is 10 mg per day. The dosage range of Lipitor is 10 mg to 80 mg, taken once per day.
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Harper Kim 25 minutes ago
The dosage you take will depend on the condition you’re using the drug to treat. For adults taking...
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Aria Nguyen 19 minutes ago
For lowering cholesterol in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), the rec...
The dosage you take will depend on the condition you’re using the drug to treat. For adults taking Lipitor, the usual recommended dose is 10 mg to 80 mg. Depending on your condition, you may start with a dose of 10 mg to 20 mg and then have your dose increased during your treatment.
For lowering cholesterol in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), the recommended dosage is 10 mg to 20 mg, taken once per day.
Questions about Lipitor s dosage
Below are some common questions about Lipitor’s dosage.What if I miss a dose of Lipitor? If you miss a dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as you remember.
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Mia Anderson 4 minutes ago
But if it’s been more than 12 hours since you were supposed to take the dose, skip that dose and t...
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Zoe Mueller 79 minutes ago
Lipitor is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lipitor is safe ...
But if it’s been more than 12 hours since you were supposed to take the dose, skip that dose and take your next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can raise your risk of side effects from the drug.Will I need to use Lipitor long term?
Lipitor is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lipitor is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.How long does Lipitor take to work? Lipitor starts working as soon as you take a dose.
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Grace Liu 66 minutes ago
When taken consistently, most people have improvements in their cholesterol within 2 to 4 weeks. You...
When taken consistently, most people have improvements in their cholesterol within 2 to 4 weeks. You may not feel Lipitor working in your body, but your doctor will monitor your cholesterol levels by ordering certain lab tests during your treatment.
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Daniel Kumar 58 minutes ago
What does Lipitor look like
What is Lipitor used for
Lipitor is a prescription ...
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Amelia Singh 13 minutes ago
What are some frequently asked questions about Lipitor
Below are answers to some commonly ...
What does Lipitor look like
What is Lipitor used for
Lipitor is a prescription medication that’s used along with a balanced diet to:reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel problems caused by high cholesterol, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with any of the following conditions:coronary heart disease (CHD) or risk factors for CHD, such as high blood pressure and smokingtype 2 diabetes and risk factors for CHDreduce the need for certain heart surgeries in adults with either:CHD, orrisk factors for CHDlower cholesterol levels in adults with certain forms of high cholesterol, including a genetic (inherited) condition called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)lower cholesterol in children ages 10 to 17 years with the genetic condition heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)
Lipitor belongs to a group of medications called statins. These drugs reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, in your body. This helps prevent heart problems, such as coronary heart disease, chest pain, stroke, and heart attack.
What are some frequently asked questions about Lipitor
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lipitor. Does Lipitor cause weight loss weight gain diabetes memory loss ED tiredness or headaches
No, none of these were reported as side effects in studies of Lipitor.
Keep in mind that Lipitor is prescribed along with a balanced diet. Some people may experience weight loss while taking Lipitor if they make certain changes to their diet. Other statins used to treat high cholesterol may cause diabetes or memory problems.
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Mia Anderson 64 minutes ago
These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Lipitor. But high blood sugar levels have been r...
These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Lipitor. But high blood sugar levels have been reported as a side effect of Lipitor since the drug became available on the market. (Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar.)
Because Lipitor treats high cholesterol, it may actually help reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED).
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Sophia Chen 156 minutes ago
See this article to learn more about the link between ED and high cholesterol. Certain side effects ...
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Jack Thompson 161 minutes ago
Headache isn’t a side effect of Lipitor, but it could be a symptom of other conditions, such as hi...
See this article to learn more about the link between ED and high cholesterol. Certain side effects of Lipitor, such as infection or liver problems, may cause tiredness. But tiredness isn’t a direct side effect of the drug.
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Julia Zhang 42 minutes ago
Headache isn’t a side effect of Lipitor, but it could be a symptom of other conditions, such as hi...
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Alexander Wang 3 minutes ago
Is Lipitor a blood thinner or a beta-blocker And does it lower blood pressure
No, Lipitor...
Headache isn’t a side effect of Lipitor, but it could be a symptom of other conditions, such as high blood pressure. If you have concerns about experiencing any of these side effects during your Lipitor treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Victoria Lopez 7 minutes ago
Is Lipitor a blood thinner or a beta-blocker And does it lower blood pressure
No, Lipitor...
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Aria Nguyen 22 minutes ago
Beta-blockers help manage high blood pressure, and blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Some peo...
Is Lipitor a blood thinner or a beta-blocker And does it lower blood pressure
No, Lipitor is not a blood thinner or a beta-blocker. Lipitor belongs to a group of medications known as statins. Statins help lower cholesterol levels in your body.
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Natalie Lopez 15 minutes ago
Beta-blockers help manage high blood pressure, and blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Some peo...
Beta-blockers help manage high blood pressure, and blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Some people taking Lipitor may also need to take beta-blockers or blood thinners, depending on their other health conditions. If you take other medications and are interested in taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor to make sure the drugs are safe to take together.
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Jack Thompson 11 minutes ago
Is Lipitor considered a safe medication Why might some people think it s bad for you
Yes,...
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Noah Davis 47 minutes ago
But the most common side effects reported in studies were mild. Examples of these side effects inclu...
Is Lipitor considered a safe medication Why might some people think it s bad for you
Yes, Lipitor is considered a safe drug for most people. It’s been used to treat certain conditions for more than 20 years and has been studied in adults and children. Lipitor may cause certain side effects, which could make some people think taking the drug is harmful.
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Liam Wilson 9 minutes ago
But the most common side effects reported in studies were mild. Examples of these side effects inclu...
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Kevin Wang 18 minutes ago
For example, in rare cases, Lipitor may cause severe muscle pain. (To learn more about possible side...
But the most common side effects reported in studies were mild. Examples of these side effects include diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, and upper respiratory infection. Some serious side effects may occur with Lipitor, but they’re not common.
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Amelia Singh 67 minutes ago
For example, in rare cases, Lipitor may cause severe muscle pain. (To learn more about possible side...
For example, in rare cases, Lipitor may cause severe muscle pain. (To learn more about possible side effects, see “What are Lipitor s side effects ” above.)
If you have questions about whether Lipitor is safe for you to take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will Lipitor cause different side effects in men vs women
In studies, no differences in side effects were reported among males* and females* taking Lipitor.
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Brandon Kumar 89 minutes ago
But certain side effects of Lipitor are specific to females who can become pregnant. These are relat...
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Ella Rodriguez 109 minutes ago
* In this article, we use the terms “males” and “females” to refer to someone’s sex assign...
But certain side effects of Lipitor are specific to females who can become pregnant. These are related to taking Lipitor during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To learn more, see “Pregnancy and breastfeeding” under the “What should be considered before taking Lipitor ” section below.
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Natalie Lopez 128 minutes ago
* In this article, we use the terms “males” and “females” to refer to someone’s sex assign...
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Brandon Kumar 215 minutes ago
This is based on Lipitor’s half-life, which is around 14 hours. The half-life of a drug is the ave...
* In this article, we use the terms “males” and “females” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
What is Lipitor s half-life and how long does it stay in your system
Lipitor stays in your system for about 3 days.
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Amelia Singh 32 minutes ago
This is based on Lipitor’s half-life, which is around 14 hours. The half-life of a drug is the ave...
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Alexander Wang 28 minutes ago
It takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your body completely.
What should I know abou...
This is based on Lipitor’s half-life, which is around 14 hours. The half-life of a drug is the average amount of time that it takes for the body to eliminate half of the initial dose from the system.
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Amelia Singh 81 minutes ago
It takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your body completely.
What should I know abou...
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Dylan Patel 41 minutes ago
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) To learn more about Livalo, check out this article...
It takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your body completely.
What should I know about Lipitor s alternative drug Livalo
Lipitor and Livalo are both statins, which help lower cholesterol levels in your body. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvastatin, while Livalo contains pitavastatin.
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Oliver Taylor 21 minutes ago
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) To learn more about Livalo, check out this article...
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Elijah Patel 39 minutes ago
But if you stop taking Lipitor and do not replace it with a different treatment, your cholesterol ma...
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) To learn more about Livalo, check out this article. You can ask your doctor if one of these drugs may be right for you.
Will I have side effects after stopping Lipitor
Ending your Lipitor treatment should not cause any side effects.
But if you stop taking Lipitor and do not replace it with a different treatment, your cholesterol may increase again. This could lead to serious heart problems.
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Madison Singh 43 minutes ago
If you’d like to stop taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine if you should stop...
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James Smith 129 minutes ago
You should not stop taking Lipitor unless your doctor recommends it.
How does Lipitor work
...
If you’d like to stop taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine if you should stop taking Lipitor and if you need to start taking a new drug in its place.
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Liam Wilson 34 minutes ago
You should not stop taking Lipitor unless your doctor recommends it.
How does Lipitor work
...
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Christopher Lee 6 minutes ago
These drugs reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your body. LDL choleste...
You should not stop taking Lipitor unless your doctor recommends it.
How does Lipitor work
Lipitor belongs to a group of medications called statins.
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Daniel Kumar 18 minutes ago
These drugs reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your body. LDL choleste...
These drugs reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your body. LDL cholesterol is also known as “bad” cholesterol, and too much of it in your body can lead to serious health problems.
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Mia Anderson 43 minutes ago
Statins reduce LDL cholesterol by suppressing a certain enzyme in the liver that’s responsible for...
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Lucas Martinez 22 minutes ago
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about how Lipitor works.
What should I kn...
Statins reduce LDL cholesterol by suppressing a certain enzyme in the liver that’s responsible for LDL production. This helps prevent heart problems, such as coronary heart disease, chest pain, stroke, and heart attack.
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Andrew Wilson 91 minutes ago
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about how Lipitor works.
What should I kn...
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Daniel Kumar 5 minutes ago
Statins help lower cholesterol levels in your body. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvasta...
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about how Lipitor works.
What should I know about Lipitor vs Crestor
Lipitor and Crestor are both statin drugs.
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Mia Anderson 61 minutes ago
Statins help lower cholesterol levels in your body. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvasta...
Statins help lower cholesterol levels in your body. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvastatin, while Crestor contains rosuvastatin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
If you’d like to know more about Lipitor and Crestor, check out this article.
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Noah Davis 71 minutes ago
Also, talk with your doctor for more information about how these drugs are alike and different.
...
Also, talk with your doctor for more information about how these drugs are alike and different.
What should be considered before taking Lipitor
Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Lipitor treatment include your overall health, any medical conditions you may have, and other drugs you take.
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Jack Thompson 104 minutes ago
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect ...
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions. Before taking Lipitor, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types.
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Harper Kim 128 minutes ago
Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you a...
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Elijah Patel 97 minutes ago
These include:gemfibrozil (Lopid) and other fibrates (which help lower triglycerides levels)certain ...
Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Lipitor.
Interactions with drugs or supplements
Lipitor can interact with several types of drugs.
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Zoe Mueller 82 minutes ago
These include:gemfibrozil (Lopid) and other fibrates (which help lower triglycerides levels)certain ...
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Henry Schmidt 9 minutes ago
Other interactions
See below for details about other interactions that could occur with Lip...
These include:gemfibrozil (Lopid) and other fibrates (which help lower triglycerides levels)certain antifungals, antibiotics, and antiviral drugsthe immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral)the cholesterol medication niacin (Niacor)the gout drug colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare)the tuberculosis drug rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)the heart drug digoxin (Lanoxin)birth control pills
This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Lipitor. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur when taking Lipitor.
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Amelia Singh 13 minutes ago
Other interactions
See below for details about other interactions that could occur with Lip...
Other interactions
See below for details about other interactions that could occur with Lipitor. Lipitor and grapefruit
While taking Lipitor, you should not eat large amounts of grapefruit or drink more than 1.2 liters of grapefruit juice per day.
Doing so could raise your risk of side effects from Lipitor. If you have questions about consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during your treatment, talk with your doctor.
Warnings
Lipitor may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Lipitor.
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Ava White 221 minutes ago
Factors to consider include those in the list below.Liver disease. Lipitor is contraindicated in peo...
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Sophie Martin 135 minutes ago
Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Lipitor. Before taking Lipitor, talk with you...
Factors to consider include those in the list below.Liver disease. Lipitor is contraindicated in people with liver disease. (A contraindication is a factor or condition that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a drug due to risk of harm.) People who have liver disease or have had it in the past may have a higher risk of side effects from Lipitor.
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Emma Wilson 4 minutes ago
Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Lipitor. Before taking Lipitor, talk with you...
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James Smith 5 minutes ago
Lipitor may cause muscle pain and weakness. If you have kidney disease, you may have a higher risk o...
Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Lipitor. Before taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor if you have liver disease.Kidney disease.
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Chloe Santos 75 minutes ago
Lipitor may cause muscle pain and weakness. If you have kidney disease, you may have a higher risk o...
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Ryan Garcia 15 minutes ago
Talk with your doctor about whether Lipitor is safe for you.Uncontrolled hypothyroidism. Lipitor may...
Lipitor may cause muscle pain and weakness. If you have kidney disease, you may have a higher risk of these side effects.
Talk with your doctor about whether Lipitor is safe for you.Uncontrolled hypothyroidism. Lipitor may cause muscle pain and weakness.
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Ryan Garcia 30 minutes ago
If you have an underactive thyroid that’s not well managed by medication, you may have a higher ri...
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Nathan Chen 42 minutes ago
If you’ve had a stroke or ministroke within the past 6 months, Lipitor may raise your risk of this...
If you have an underactive thyroid that’s not well managed by medication, you may have a higher risk of this side effect. Before taking Lipitor, be sure to tell your doctor about any thyroid conditions you have.A recent stroke or ministroke. In rare cases, Lipitor may cause hemorrhagic stroke.
If you’ve had a stroke or ministroke within the past 6 months, Lipitor may raise your risk of this side effect. Before starting treatment with Lipitor, talk with your doctor if you’ve had a stroke.Diabetes or high blood sugar.
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Jack Thompson 41 minutes ago
In rare cases, Lipitor may cause high blood sugar. If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, taking ...
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Brandon Kumar 9 minutes ago
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely n...
In rare cases, Lipitor may cause high blood sugar. If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, taking Lipitor could worsen these conditions. Talk with your doctor about whether Lipitor is a safe treatment option for you.Allergic reaction.
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Aria Nguyen 96 minutes ago
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely n...
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lipitor. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
Lipitor and alcohol
There are no known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol.
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Julia Zhang 263 minutes ago
But drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Lipitor can raise your risk of liver damage. Befo...
But drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Lipitor can raise your risk of liver damage. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you usually have more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
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Isaac Schmidt 66 minutes ago
They can determine whether Lipitor is safe for you to take.
Pregnancy
Studies have shown th...
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Amelia Singh 124 minutes ago
But it’s important to note that Lipitor can make certain birth control pills less effective. Your ...
They can determine whether Lipitor is safe for you to take.
Pregnancy
Studies have shown that statin drugs, including Lipitor, may cause problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) if used during pregnancy. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Lipitor.
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Lily Watson 251 minutes ago
But it’s important to note that Lipitor can make certain birth control pills less effective. Your ...
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Madison Singh 223 minutes ago
Your doctor can prescribe a cholesterol medication that’s safe to use during pregnancy. If you’r...
But it’s important to note that Lipitor can make certain birth control pills less effective. Your doctor can recommend a birth control option that won’t interact with Lipitor. If you become pregnant while taking Lipitor, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away.
Your doctor can prescribe a cholesterol medication that’s safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
Breastfeeding
It’s not known if Lipitor passes into breast milk. But because the drug could cause serious side effects in a child who is breastfed, you should not take Lipitor while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about nursing considerations and your treatment plan.
How is Lipitor taken
Your doctor will explain how you should take Lipitor. They will also explain how much to take and how often.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Taking Lipitor
Lipitor comes as a tablet that you swallow. You will usually take it once per day.
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Audrey Mueller 14 minutes ago
You should try to take Lipitor at the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the ...
You should try to take Lipitor at the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body.
Accessible medication containers and labels
If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
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Sofia Garcia 155 minutes ago
Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:have large printuse braillecontain a code you ...
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Kevin Wang 215 minutes ago
They may be able to put Lipitor in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools ...
Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:have large printuse braillecontain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t. Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know.
They may be able to put Lipitor in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Taking Lipitor with other drugs
Your doctor may prescribe Lipitor to be taken on its own or with other drugs, depending on the condition you’re taking it to treat.
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Ethan Thomas 156 minutes ago
Examples of other drugs that you may take with Lipitor to treat high cholesterol include:bile acid-b...
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Hannah Kim 93 minutes ago
You should swallow Lipitor tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can find some he...
Examples of other drugs that you may take with Lipitor to treat high cholesterol include:bile acid-binding resins, such as:cholestyramine (Prevalite)colestipol (Colestid)colesevelam (Welchol)ezetimibe (Zetia)injectable medications, such as:alirocumab (Praluent)evolocumab (Repatha)
Questions about taking Lipitor
Below are some common questions about taking Lipitor.Can Lipitor be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not crush, split, or chew Lipitor tablets.
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Evelyn Zhang 199 minutes ago
You should swallow Lipitor tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can find some he...
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Brandon Kumar 22 minutes ago
You can take Lipitor with or without food.Is there a best time to take Lipitor? You can take Lipitor...
You should swallow Lipitor tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can find some helpful tips here.Should I take Lipitor with food?
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Isaac Schmidt 362 minutes ago
You can take Lipitor with or without food.Is there a best time to take Lipitor? You can take Lipitor...
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Ella Rodriguez 51 minutes ago
You can take Lipitor at any time of day, including at night. But as discussed above, you should try ...
You can take Lipitor with or without food.Is there a best time to take Lipitor? You can take Lipitor at any time of day. But you should try to take it at the same time every day to keep a consistent level of the drug in your body.Can I take Lipitor at night?
You can take Lipitor at any time of day, including at night. But as discussed above, you should try to take it at the same time each day.Questions for your doctor
You may have questions about Lipitor and your treatment plan.
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Jack Thompson 51 minutes ago
It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. Here are a few tips that might help ...
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Audrey Mueller 94 minutes ago
Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want yo...
It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:Before your appointment, write down questions such as:How will Lipitor affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
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Christopher Lee 74 minutes ago
Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want yo...
Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible.
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Henry Schmidt 68 minutes ago
So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.
What does Lipitor cos...
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Brandon Kumar 56 minutes ago
Lipitor is available as the generic drug atorvastatin. Generics usually cost less than brand-name dr...
So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.
What does Lipitor cost
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
Lipitor is available as the generic drug atorvastatin. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
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Alexander Wang 66 minutes ago
Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know about taking atorvastatin. If you have questions about...
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Oliver Taylor 152 minutes ago
You can also visit the Lipitor manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options. You can...
Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know about taking atorvastatin. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Lily Watson 324 minutes ago
You can also visit the Lipitor manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options. You can...
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Sebastian Silva 329 minutes ago
Both drugs belong to a group of medications called statins, which lower cholesterol levels in your b...
You can also visit the Lipitor manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options. You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
What should I know about Lipitor vs Zocor
Lipitor and Zocor have some similarities and differences.
Both drugs belong to a group of medications called statins, which lower cholesterol levels in your body. But Lipitor and Zocor have different active ingredients.
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Sebastian Silva 37 minutes ago
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Lipitor contains atorvastatin, and Zocor contains ...
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Alexander Wang 199 minutes ago
Also, ask your doctor if one of them may be right for you.
What should I know about Lipitor vs ...
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Lipitor contains atorvastatin, and Zocor contains simvastatin. If you’d like to read more about these drugs, see this detailed comparison.
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Ava White 141 minutes ago
Also, ask your doctor if one of them may be right for you.
What should I know about Lipitor vs ...
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Victoria Lopez 145 minutes ago
Statins help lower cholesterol. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvastatin, and Zocor conta...
Also, ask your doctor if one of them may be right for you.
What should I know about Lipitor vs pravastatin
Lipitor and pravastatin both belong to a group of drugs called statins.
Statins help lower cholesterol. Lipitor contains the active ingredient atorvastatin, and Zocor contains simvastatin.
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Amelia Singh 32 minutes ago
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
To see a side-by-side comparison of these medicati...
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
To see a side-by-side comparison of these medications, check out this article. And talk with your doctor to learn more about Lipitor and pravastatin.
What should be done in case of overdose
You should not take more Lipitor than your doctor prescribes.
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Chloe Santos 96 minutes ago
Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Lipi...
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Ryan Garcia 59 minutes ago
You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use it...
Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Lipitor
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Lipitor.
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Evelyn Zhang 25 minutes ago
You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use it...
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Lucas Martinez 53 minutes ago
Or go to the nearest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
If you’d like to learn more ...
You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Or go to the nearest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
If you’d like to learn more about Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Grace Liu 31 minutes ago
They can help answer any questions you have about the drug. Here are a few questions you may want to...
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Oliver Taylor 222 minutes ago
To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to KnowLipitor Int...
They can help answer any questions you have about the drug. Here are a few questions you may want to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist:Based on my health history, do I have a higher risk for side effects than others taking Lipitor?Are there other ways I could manage my cholesterol without medication?Is CoQ10 an effective alternative for lowering my cholesterol?How can I learn more about managing my cholesterol and keeping my heart healthy?What are my treatment options if I’m planning a pregnancy?
To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to KnowLipitor Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and OthersSide Effects of Lipitor: What You Need to Know
You can also see this overview of high cholesterol treatment options. To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters.
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Lucas Martinez 30 minutes ago
You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with cer...
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Ethan Thomas 182 minutes ago
Anoymous
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How long you’ll take medication for high cholesterol depends on several fa...
You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Ask a pharmacist
Q
Will I have to take cholesterol medication for the rest of my life?
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Zoe Mueller 136 minutes ago
Anoymous
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How long you’ll take medication for high cholesterol depends on several fa...
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Evelyn Zhang 306 minutes ago
If your condition isn’t hereditary, your need for Lipitor or other cholesterol medications could c...
Anoymous
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How long you’ll take medication for high cholesterol depends on several factors, including the specific condition you’re taking Lipitor to treat. For example, if you take Lipitor for a hereditary disease, such as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), you’ll likely need treatment throughout your life.
If your condition isn’t hereditary, your need for Lipitor or other cholesterol medications could change depending on the lifestyle changes you make. For example, you may try:eating a balanced diet with more fiber, fewer starchy foods (such as breads and sweets), and less saturated fatexercising at least 150 minutes per week (or about 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week)quitting smokingdrinking less alcohol
You and your doctor can talk about which lifestyle changes might make sense for you to try.
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Sofia Garcia 38 minutes ago
They can also provide resources to help you make those changes. If you have questions about how long...
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Harper Kim 43 minutes ago
And remember, you should not stop taking Lipitor or change your dosage unless your doctor recommends...
They can also provide resources to help you make those changes. If you have questions about how long you’ll need to use Lipitor, talk with your doctor.
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Dylan Patel 77 minutes ago
And remember, you should not stop taking Lipitor or change your dosage unless your doctor recommends...
And remember, you should not stop taking Lipitor or change your dosage unless your doctor recommends it.The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Nathan Chen 48 minutes ago
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually corre...
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.
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Victoria Lopez 87 minutes ago
You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medicatio...
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Aria Nguyen 65 minutes ago
The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or dru...
You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
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Chloe Santos 72 minutes ago
The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or dru...
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Ethan Thomas 103 minutes ago
Payal Kohli, M.D., FACC
When should you start getting screened for high cholesterol? Is it always po...
The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.Medically reviewed by Amber R. Watson, PharmD — By Lindsay Bebout, PharmD — Updated on October 12, 2022
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High cholesterol can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by other factors. Learn more about wha...
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