Lipitor Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is prescribed to treat high cholesterol by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Lipitor can also elevate HDL ("good") cholesterol. The drug is typically paired with a low-fat diet and exercise, and only prescribed after lifestyle changes have not reduced cholesterol to safe levels.

Lipitor can reduce the risks for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular issues in patients who either have heart disease or are particularly susceptible to heart disease for reasons such as age, smoking habits, high blood pressure, low HDL, or genetic history.^[1] According to a United Kingdom clinical trial that was published in the European Heart Journal, Lipitor may also prevent deaths from infection and respiratory disease.^[2]

Common Lipitor side effects include diarrhea or upset stomach. More serious side effects are rare, but possible. These side effects may include muscle damage and liver or kidney damage.^[3]

Contents 1 Common Lipitor Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Lipitor Allergic Reactions 4 Lipitor Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Lipitor Side Effects

The adverse reactions experienced most often by Lipitor patients include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Muscular pain
• Joint pain
• Changes in some lab tests

More serious side effects include muscular weakness or tender muscles; urine that is dark in color; excessive drowsiness; jaundice, or pain in the abdominal area; cognitive impairment, including memory loss, forgetfulness, and confusion; and increased blood sugar levels leading to the development of Type 2 diabetes. These more severe side effects require medical attention.^{[3] [4]}

About Drug Side Effects

Lipitor Allergic Reactions

Patients who are allergic to atorvastatin or any of the inactive ingredients contained in Lipitor may be unable to take it. Those who have had allergies to other types of statins in the past are more likely to be sensitive to Lipitor. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to Lipitor appear on the skin, or to experience reactions such as swollen face or throat. In some cases, the swelling may restrict the airways and impair breathing or swallowing. If an allergic reaction is suspected, Pfizer advises patients to consult a doctor.^[3]

Lipitor Precautions and Warnings

• Lipitor can cause a serious muscle problem called myopathy, which can lead to kidney problems or possible kidney failure. Those taking certain other medicines with Lipitor have a higher chance of developing muscle problems. In particular, antiviral protease inhibitors, used to treat HIV, increase myopathy risk when combined with statins like Lipitor.
• Lipitor can also cause serious liver problems, and patients with liver disease may be unable to take Lipitor.
• Lipitor is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Lipitor has the potential to cause serious reactions when mixed with certain medications. Drugs that can interact with Lipitor include birth control pills, cholesterol-lowering medications, and drugs that affect the immune system.
• Patients who drink more than two glasses of alcohol daily may be unable to take Lipitor, or else serious liver problems can occur.^{[3] [5]}
• The elderly are more prone to experiencing adverse side effects from Lipitor.^[6]
• It is not safe for Lipitor patients to consume excessive amounts of grapefruit juice. The maximum recommended amount is a quart a day.^{[3] [5]}
• Patients taking Lipitor are instructed to alter their diets to include foods that are low in cholesterol and fat. Recommendations include vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese and egg whites. Vegetable oils are to replace butter and other high-cholesterol fats, and foods like egg yolks are to be avoided.^{[3] [5]}

Also See: Lipitor, Lipitor Free Samples, Lipitor Patient Assistance Programs, Lipitor Coupons, Lipitor Recall, Statin Side Effects, Advicor, Advicor Side Effects, Crestor Side Effects, Pravastatin Side Effects, Simvastatin, Simvastatin Side Effects, Tricor Side Effects, Vytorin, Vytorin Side Effects, Zocor Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} http://www.lipitor.com/aboutLipitor/benefitsOfLipitor.aspx
2. ↑ http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/29/study-lipitor-lowers-more-than-cholesterol/?hpt=hp_bn6
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9} http://www.lipitor.com/aboutLipitor/sideEffects.aspx
4. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm293330.htm
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a600045.html
6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-3330-Lipitor+Oral.aspx?drugid=3330&drugname=Lipitor+Oral