Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) is a medication prescribed along with a low-fat diet to lower LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides in a person blood. Lipitor acts to raise HDL levels or good cholesterol. It aids in lowering a patient risk for heart attack, stroke and chest pain.

Lipitor can lessen the risk for heart attack or stroke in diabetes patients or those with diabetic eye or kidney conditions, those who smoke or who have high blood pressure.

How does Lipitor work to lower LDL levels?

Lipitor is a statin drug, which decreases LDL or bad cholesterol by blocking an enzyme found in the liver that is used to make cholesterol. Producing less cholesterol causes the liver to take more from the blood stream, resulting in lower LDL levels of cholesterol in the blood. It has been clinically proven that Lipitor lowers LDL levels between 39 and 60 percent, depending on the dose.

How soon does it take Lipitor to start working?

Lipitor begins to work about two weeks after treatment has started. A blood test after two weeks should show lower levels of LDL cholesterol.

How do I know that Lipitor is safe?

Lipitor is rated as the most prescribed branded cholesterol-lowering medication world-wide. Lipitor has been studied for more than 18 years in more than 400 clinical studies using more than 80,000 persons. These studies have been used to document all the current facts on Lipitor to keep doctors up-to-date with the most current information needed to prescribe Lipitor to patients.

Does Lipitor Have Significant Side Effects?

The most common side effects of Lipitor are headaches, muscle pain, diarrhea, sinus inflammation, infections and joint pain. Lesser seen side effects include lack of appetite, back pain, stomach pain, rash, sore throat, constipation and overall weakness.  Possible serious side effects to be aware of include unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, signs of liver damage such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, kidney issues such as a major difference in how much urine is produced, and swelling of the mouth or tongue. Any of these should be reported to a doctor immediately.

In addition, in less than two percent of the people taking Lipitor, the following problems were seen: lack of appetite, intestinal ulcer, hepatitis, asthma, bloody nose, depression, memory loss, hair loss, impotence, ringing in the ears, fainting, loss of hearing, high blood pressure, weight gain and gout. Pregnant or nursing women should also not take Lipitor.

What time of the day should Lipitor be taken?

Lipitor can be taken at any time of the day, however, it should be taken at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, and it is likely your doctor will suggest you follow a low fat diet when beginning Lipitor. Do not break Lipitor apart before taking it.

If I don’t think it is working right, can I stop taking Lipitor or raise or lower the dosage?

No. Only your doctor can stop, start or change the dosage of Lipitor. If you are experiencing problems with Lipitor, speak to your doctor about continuing or discontinuing your medication.

Can I take other medicine while I am taking Lipitor?

Inform your doctor of all other medications–prescription and over-the-counter–vitamins, herbals, or any other substances you are currently taking before you begin taking Lipitor. Only a doctor can tell whether or not you are allowed to take them with Lipitor.