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Common uses
This medicine is an
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower
cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be
used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Do not take this
medicine if you are also taking another medicine that contains
atorvastatin. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking azole
antifungals such as itraconazole or ketoconazole, or HIV protease
inhibitors such as indinavir or ritonavir. If you are currently using
any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist before
starting this medicine.
Do not take this
medicine if you are taking fibrates such as gemfibrozil, clofibrate,
or fenofibrate; or high-doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day).
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you
are taking amiodarone; cyclosporine; certain macrolide antibiotics
such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin; digoxin;
diltiazem; fluconazole; nefazodone; spironolactone; cimetidine;
imatinib; bosentan; St. John's wort; verapamil; voriconazole;
dalfopristin; or quinupristin. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions including heart disease, muscle problems, alcohol
use, allergies (especially to other "statin" or cholesterol-lowering
medicines), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Certain medical conditions,
including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures;
or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase
your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems while
taking this medicine. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you
have a history of liver disease or abnormal liver function test
results.
Directions
This medicine may be
taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take this medicine at
the same time each day. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit
juice at the same time you take this medicine. If you cannot avoid
grapefruit or grapefruit juice completely, do not consume large
quantities of grapefruit (more than 8 oz.) and do not consume any
grapefruit product within 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after
this medicine.
Store this medicine at
room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees f (20 to 25 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a
dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not take this
medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic
to any ingredient in this product. It may take several weeks before
the full benefits of this medicine can be seen. It is important to
continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with
high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
Laboratory and/or
medical tests such as blood cholesterol levels or liver function
tests may be done before you begin taking this medicine and during
treatment to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.
This medicine may
cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else
that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with
alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. Daily use of alcohol may increase your
chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medicine may
infrequently cause muscle damage. Untreated, this can lead to kidney
damage and a very serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Contact
your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or
weakness especially if they occur with fever or unusual tiredness.
Before having any kind of surgery, tell your doctor that you are
taking this medicine.
Caution is advised
when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more
sensitive to the effects of the medicine. For women: do not use this
medicine if you are pregnant.
If you suspect that
you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is
recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective birth
control measures while taking this medicine, since it may cause fetal
harm. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed
while taking this medicine.
Possible side
effects
Side effects that may
occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea,
diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as
soon as possible if you experience joint pain, chest pain, or
swelling in the arms or legs. Contact your doctor immediately if you
experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with
fever or unusual tiredness); yellowing eyes and skin; dark urine;
change in the amount of urine; pale stools; or severe stomach pain.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Additional
information
For best results, this
medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat
diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Do not share
this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this
medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the
reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended
period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |