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Description
What is Lipitor used for?
Liptior is prescribed to decrease the blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). This medication is often used together with a low-fat diet, along with other treatments to help those who cannot lower their cholesterol levels with diet and exercise alone.
You can buy Lipitor (Atorvastatin) at My Drug Center. We have the Lipitor generic, called Atorvastatin, available for purchase as well.
How does Lipitor work?
Lipitor is an oral medication that contains the active ingredient Atorvastatin. Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called statins, which lowers the amount of cholesterol that the liver produces by blocking the liver’s cholesterol-synthesizing enzyme. The atorvastatin in the medication slows down the production of cholesterol that may build up in the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
Directions
Before taking your prescribed medication read all the instructions that was provided by your pharmacist. Take Lipitor orally once a day with a full glass of water. This medication can be taken with or without food. Make sure you take Lipitor at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of medication in your system. For optimal results take this medication on a regular basis. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Diet and exercise is usually prescribed along side Lipitor to help improve the effect of the medication. It is best to stick to lifestyle change agreed upon your doctor to ensure that Lipitor provides the best treatment.
Cautions
This medication may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking Lipitor. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to liver disease, kidney disease, and alcohol abuse. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions with Lipitor.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with how this medication is absorbed in your body. Avoid drinking or having grapefruit to ensure an effective treatment with Lipitor.
Alcohol use while taking Lipitor can increase the risk of liver damage. Limit or avoid alcohol altogether while taking Lipitor. Additionally you can speak with your doctor regarding the acceptable limits of alcohol while using Lipitor.
If you are taking other medication for cholesterol take Lipitor an hour before or four hours after taking additional medication.
Side Effects
Some side effects for Lipitor are:
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, headache, and mild muscle pain.
More serious Lipitor side effects include:
Muscle wasting and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), confusions or memory problems, fever, dark urine, increased thirst or hunger, drowsiness, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
If any side effects if Atorvastatin become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.
FAQs
What is Lipitor?
Lipitor is a brand-name prescription medication that comes in tablet form for oral administration. It is one of the most popular medications worldwide and has been on the market for over 20 years. This medication can be purchased as the brand or the generic in multiple strengths; at My Drug Center, we carry 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg tablets. Lipitor tablets contain one active ingredient; atorvastatin.
What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a drug used in medicine for its therapeutic effects and benefits. It was first developed in 1985 and used in medicine by 1996. Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut and liver, creating multiple metabolites during the process, and eliminated (for the most part) through hepatic biliary excretion. Atorvastatin belongs to the drug class called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; however, most refer to this drug class as “statins” for short. Statins have an effect on high and low density lipoprotein (HDL / LDL) in the human body.
What is Atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin is used in patients that are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as those with diabetes type 2 or coronary heart disease, or for patients with abnormal lipid levels, such as those with high cholesterol. Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels, such as stroke or heart attack.
What does Atorvastatin do?
Atorvastatin helps the body lower the “bad” cholesterol while increasing the “good” cholesterol. Bad cholesterol (LDL-low density lipoproteins) can form plaque in your arteries, causing them to become narrow and reducing the amount of blood flow to the heart; removing bad cholesterol helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Good cholesterol (HDL) helps remove the bad cholesterol from your arteries; increasing good cholesterol also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How does Atorvastatin work?
How Lipitor works to lower cholesterol levels is by inhibiting a certain enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) responsible for the production of cholesterol in the liver; this significantly slows the livers process of creating cholesterol and as a result, slows plaque buildup and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What are the most common side effects of Atorvastatin?
The most common side effects of atorvastatin include joint pain, stuffy nose, sore throat, diarrhea, or pain in your arms or legs. Side effects should not alarm you; if they become unmanageable or do not go away, contact your doctor.
How to take Atorvastatin?
Your doctor will let you know how to take Lipitor (atorvastatin) when prescribing it to you; ensure you follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Lipitor is commonly taken only once a day, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. You should never break or crush a tablet unless directed otherwise by your doctor; swallow Lipitor tablets whole. For best results, ensure you follow any diet and/or exercise routines set in place by your doctor.
When to take Atorvastatin morning or night?
Your doctor will explain to you when to take Lipitor before prescribing it to you, if necessary. Otherwise, you may take your dose whenever is most convenient for you; as long as you ensure you take the dose at the same time each day. Some doctors may recommend taking cholesterol medications at night before bed. Speak with your doctor about when to take atorvastatin if you are unsure when the best time is for you specifically.
Why take Atorvastatin at night?
It has been widely suggested that you should take certain statins at night oppose to taking the dose in the morning or during the day. This has raised the same question for many patients; why take Lipitor at night? It is thought that certain statins are more effective when taken at night. Atorvastatin is effective because it decreases cholesterol production; it is thought that the liver produces majority of cholesterol during times of low dietary intake – such as at night when you are sleeping –. This is why the medication will be most effective when taken before bed. However, since this statin has a longer half-life, it will likely be just as effective if taken in the morning.
What foods to avoid while taking Atorvastatin?
Dietary intake of potassium in moderate to high amounts can cause complications; you should avoid potassium rich foods as well as salt substitutes (which often contain potassium). Some examples of foods to avoid include bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, cooked broccoli, potatoes, and more. Some salt substitutes that should be avoided – or at the very least, taken with caution under a doctor’s approval – while using Lipitor (atorvastatin) include Morton Salt Substitute, Nu-Salt, and NoSalt.
How do you pronounce Atorvastatin?
It may be important to know how to properly pronounce what medications you are taking, especially before surgery or in the case of an emergency. How to pronounce atorvastatin: A – TOR – VA – STA – TIN.
What does Atorvastatin look like?
When purchasing the brand, tablets are commonly oval and white. However, when purchasing internationally, or when buying a generic version, the appearance may vary.
What is Atorvastatin generic for?
Atorvastatin is the generic name for the brand-name Lipitor. The generic form shares all the same therapeutic effects and benefits as the brand, as well as strengths and indications, only at a lower cost. You may also notice a difference within appearance and packaging. We carry both the brand and the generic form at My Drug Center, obtainable with a valid prescription.
What is the difference between Simvastatin and Atorvastatin?
These two medications are more similar than different, but there are some factors that make them different from each other. The major differences between the two are within price and when you should take your dose. If you prefer buying brand-name medications; you will notice that Lipitor (atorvastatin) is much more expensive, commonly in the thousands, compared to Zocor or Flolipid (both contain simvastatin), which are commonly found under $500.00. Although if you prefer buying generically, you will notice simvastatin is cheaper than atorvastatin. Simvastatin is also better taken at night, due to its short half-life, compared to atorvastatin, which has a longer half-life (by roughly 12 hours) and can be taken any time of day (assuming your doctor hasn’t set any restrictions regarding your dosing schedule). Additionally, you may notice minor differences, such as simvastatin and its increased risk of muscle pain compared to atorvastatin.
What is the difference between Atorvastatin and Atorvastatin calcium?
Atorvastatin is the drug that holds the therapeutic effects; except atorvastatin is not absorbed into the body very well nor is it optimal for dissolution, which is crucial for the therapeutic effects to be felt. Drug manufacturers need to find a way to make improve the dissolution and absorption of the drug before they can create an effective medication with it. They do this by turning the drug into its salt form; so while atorvastatin is the drug with therapeutic benefits, the salt form of atorvastatin is the final form used in the medication; it is what makes up Lipitor that allows the benefits of the drug to be felt. Atorvastatin calcium is commonly referred to as just atorvastatin to prevent confusion.
Which statin is better Lipitor or Crestor?
Both Lipitor and Crestor are effective medications therefore neither one can be considered better than the other. On the other hand, both medications have their upsides and downsides, which may help you come to a decision as to which is best for you. For example, those who are on a tighter budget may be more interested in Lipitor, as Crestor is generally more expensive. However, Lipitor has more known drug interactions than Crestor, as well as an additional food interaction (grapefruit); if you take other medications or intake grapefruit (including grapefruit juice) in your diet, you may want to consider Crestor over Lipitor.
Who makes Lipitor?
Lipitor is manufactured by Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical corporation, and one of the one of the worlds largest. Generic Lipitor, known as atorvastatin, is made by many generic manufacturers around the world. We carry Pfizer’s brand-name product, Lipitor, as well its generic alternative at My Drug Center.
How long does it take for Lipitor to work?
It takes about 2 weeks for Lipitor to begin working for most patients. It could take shorter or longer for others; each individual will find their experience with Lipitor slightly different, including how long it takes to begin working.
How much does Lipitor cost?
At My Drug Center, you can find Lipitor for as low as $45.00 for a supply of 30 – 10mg tablets when you buy generic. In the United States, for that same quantity and strength, you may pay up to an additional $72.00, depending on which pharmacy you go to. To order through My Drug Center and access our low prices, all you need is a valid prescription.
How long does it take for Lipitor to get out of your system?
The half life of atorvastatin is approximately 14 hours. With an average half life of 14 hours, you can expect atorvastatin to take close to 3 days (71 hours) to clear out of your system. However, it is has been noticed that the cholesterol-lowering effects have a half life of 20 -30 hours, thought to be a cause of the metabolites of atorvastatin; this would imply that the metabolites will stay in the system for about 4.5 to 6.5 days (100-150 hours).
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