Warnings
What are the risks of taking Lipitor (Prinivil, Zestril)?
| Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Lipitor can cause severe birth defects and infant death if taken by a pregnant woman. If you are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor before starting Lipitor. There are safer treatment options to lower cholesterol during pregnancy. If you’re taking Lipitor and find out you’re pregnant, inform your doctor and stop taking the prescription as soon as possible. Other risks of Lipitor use include:
|
What should I tell my doctor before starting Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium)?
- Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions - Lipitor tablets are not suitable for people with liver disease and some other medical conditions.
- Also, tell your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies—this can help avoid drug interactions.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or other statin medications.
- Lipitor is not indicated to use in women who are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy in the near future.
What precautions should I take while on Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium)?
- Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checkups. Your doctor may order blood tests to keep an eye on your electrolytes and liver functions while you’re on Lipitor.
- Before starting Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown causing pain and weakness). Also, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
- It is not safe to take Lipitor during pregnancy because the medicine can harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Lipitor.
- Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as changes in urination (amount of urine or frequency of urination), unexplained tiredness or severe muscle weakness, a red blistering rash, swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or hands, chest tightness, problems with breathing, dark-colored urine, pale stools, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes and skin.
What are the possible drug interactions with Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium)?
Taking Lipitor with some other medications can affect its efficacy. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, your physician may choose a different cholesterol-lowering medication for you or change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines if they decide for you to stay with Lipitor.
Using Lipitor with the following medications is not recommended:
- posaconazole
- ritonavir
There can also be interactions between Lipitor and the following medicines:
- daptomycin
- fenofibrate
- gemfibrozil
- telaprevir
- cyclosporine
This list does not describe all possible Lipitor interactions. Give your health care provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with Lipitor.
SOCIAL