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Introduction of Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is used with diet changes
(restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the
amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in the
blood. Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by slowing the
production of cholesterol in the body. Buildup of cholesterol
and fats along the walls of the blood vessels decreases blood
flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to the heart, brain,
and other parts of the body. Lowering blood levels of
cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease,
angina, strokes, and heart attacks.
Precautions
Before Using Atorvastatin
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tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
atorvastatin or any other medications.
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tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to
mention any of the following: antifungal medications such as
itraconazole and ketoconazole; cimetidine; digoxin;
erythromycin ; medications that suppress the immune system
such as cyclosporine; oral contraceptives ; other
cholesterol-lowering medications such as fenofibrate,
gemfibrozil , and niacin ; and spironolactone . Your doctor
may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor
you carefully for side effects.
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tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol and
if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
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tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking atorvastatin, stop taking atorvastatin and call
your doctor immediately. Atorvastatin may harm the fetus.
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if
you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking atorvastatin.
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if
you have a severe infection, surgery, an injury, low blood
pressure, or seizures while taking atorvastatin, talk to
your doctor about stopping the medication for a while.
Side Effects of Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin may cause side effects. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following
symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call
your doctor immediately:
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muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
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lack of energy or fever
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yellowing of the skin or eyes
Atorvastatin may cause other side effects. Call
your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this
medication.
Atorvastatin Storage
Keep this medication 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.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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