Atorvastatin (By mouth)

Atorvastatin (a-tor-va-STAT-in)

Treats high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Reduces the risk of angina, stroke, heart attack, or certain heart and blood vessel problems. This medicine is a statin.

Brand Name(s):

Lipitor

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin, if you have active liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break it.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine within 12 hours.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how atorvastatin works. Tell your doctor if you also use birth control pills, boceprevir, cimetidine, colchicine, cyclosporine, digoxin, niacin, rifampin, spironolactone, telaprevir, medicine to treat an infection, or medicine to treat HIV/AIDS.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, muscle pain or weakness, thyroid problems, have recently had a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), or have a history of liver disease. Tell your doctor if you drink grapefruit juice or drink alcohol regularly.
This medicine can cause muscle problems, which can lead to kidney problems.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you use this medicine. You may need to stop using it if you have surgery, have an injury, or develop serious health problems.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Unusual tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea
Joint pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017