IMPORTANT NOTE: What should my health care professional know before I take atorvastatin? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: an alcohol problem; any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid); blood salt imbalance; infection; kidney disease; liver disease; low blood pressure; muscle disorder or condition; recent surgery; seizures (convulsions); severe injury; an unusual or allergic reaction to atorvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding

ATORVASTATIN - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lipitor®

USES: This medication is used to treat help lower cholesteral.

HOW TO USE: Take atorvastatin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the atorvastatin with a drink of water. Atorvastatin can be taken at anytime of the day with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon:; dark yellow or brown urine; decreased urination, difficulty passing urine; fever; muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness; redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth; skin rash, itching; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; diarrhea; gas; headache; joint pain; nausea, vomiting; stomach upset or pain; tiredness

PRECAUTIONS: Please let your Physician know if you have any of these conditions: an alcohol problem; any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid); blood salt imbalance; infection; kidney disease; liver disease; low blood pressure; muscle disorder or condition; recent surgery; seizures (convulsions); severe injury; an unusual or allergic reaction to atorvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding

DRUG INTERACTIONS: alchohol-containing beverages; amiodarone; antacids; birth control pills; bosentan; certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin; cimetidine; digoxin; diltiazem; grapefruit juice; medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, voriconazole); herbal medicines such as Went Yeast (Cholestin®); medicines for treating HIV infections; medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine); medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: clofibrate, colestipol, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin); medicine used to stop early pregnancy (mifepristone, RU-486 or MifeprexÂT); nefazodone; phenytoin; spironolactone; troglitazone; verapamil


NOTES: Atorvastatin is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking atorvastatin

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

STORAGE: Store at controlled room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.