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Atorvastatin (By mouth)

Atorvastatin (a-tor-va-STAT-in)

Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Reduces the risk of angina, stroke, heart attack, or certain heart and blood vessel problems. This medicine is a statin.

Brand Name(s):

Lipitor

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Oral liquid:
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with the provided oral dosing syringe.
  • Take this medicine each day at any time of day. Take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
• Tablet:
  • Take it at the same time each day.
  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine within 12 hours.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how atorvastatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Boceprevir, cimetidine, clarithromycin, colchicine, cyclosporine, digoxin, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, ketoconazole, niacin, posaconazole, rifampin, voriconazole
  • Birth control pills
  • Fibrate medicine
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C (including darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, elbasvir/grazoprevir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, letermovir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir/ritonavir, simeprevir, telaprevir, tipranavir/ritonavir)
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, an infection, low blood pressure, muscle pain or weakness, seizures, thyroid problems, a recent stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), or a history of liver disease. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
• This medicine may cause liver problems or myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage), which can lead to kidney problems.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Unusual tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Arm, leg, or joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy or runny nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024