Drug Uses
Generic Lipitor is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (Chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
How Taken
Generic Lipitor comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Generic Lipitor, take it around the same time every day. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Lipitor and gradually increase your dose. Continue to take Generic Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Generic Lipitor without talking to your doctor. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Generic Lipitor without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. Before taking Generic Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have a chronic muscular disease, require major surgery, or have a blood disorder. You may not be able to take Generic Lipitor, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Generic Lipitor is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Generic Lipitor is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take Generic Lipitor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Generic Lipitor passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Generic Lipitor unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Although side effects from Lipitor are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- gas
- diarrhea
- constipation
- heartburn
- headache
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- rash or itching
- stomach pain or cramps
- upset stomach
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- muscle pain
- muscle cramps or weakness with or without a fever
- tenderness
Storage
Keep Generic Lipitor in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. The symptoms of an Generic Lipitor overdose are not known.
More Information
Alcohol and Generic Lipitor can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Generic Lipitor. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects.
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