How does LIPITOR® work?
LIPITOR® works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that your body uses to make cholesterol. When less cholesterol is produced, the liver takes up more cholesterol from the bloodstream. This results in lower levels of cholesterol circulating in your blood.
How does LIPITOR® improve the different types of cholesterol?
In medical studies of people with high cholesterol, LIPITOR®, taken once a day, had the following effects at doses of 10 to 80 mg:
Lowered total cholesterol by 29-45%.
Lowered LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, by 39-60%.
Increased HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, by 5-9%.
Lowered triglyceride levels by 19-37%.
What are the effects of LIPITOR® tablets?
LIPITOR® is a very effective medicine for lowering high LDL cholesterol—the main target of cholesterol-lowering therapy. Your doctor will determine how much your LDL cholesterol needs to be lowered, based on your overall risk of heart disease. LIPITOR® also effectively lowers high blood-triglyceride levels.
What would I need to know about taking LIPITOR®?
Most people will require the starting dose, which is a 10 mg tablet once daily. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you, which may be 10 mg to 80 mg. LIPITOR® can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. To make it easier to remember to take LIPITOR® you can plan to take it at the same time each day, such as after you brush your teeth in the evening. The amount or how often LIPITOR® is taken should never be changed without consulting your healthcare professional.
How long does it take LIPITOR® to work?
Generally, LIPITOR® works within 2 weeks. The full effect is usually seen within 4 weeks and lasts as long as you continue taking it. Always take LIPITOR® as directed by your healthcare professional.
Who should not take LIPITOR® tablets?
Some people should not take LIPITOR®. Those with active liver disease or possible liver problems; women who are pregnant, could possibly become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; and people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in LIPITOR®.
Does LIPITOR® interact with any other drugs?
If you take LIPITOR® with certain other medicines, they may affect one another. LIPITOR® may interact with certain other cholesterol-lowering drugs, some antibiotics, and antifungal medications. It may also interact with less-frequently prescribed medications as immunosuppressives (given after transplants). Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking.
What about side effects?
LIPITOR® is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild. In studies, the most common side effects associated with LIPITOR® were constipation, flatulence, indigestion, and abdominal pain. If you are prescribed LIPTOR®, your healthcare professional may want to conduct routine blood tests to check your liver function before and after starting treatment.
Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you have any allergies to food or medication. Also, report promptly any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by discomfort or fever, as these symptoms may be signs of serious side effects.
Can I split the tablet?
No, the tablet should not be split. It is not designed to be split and cannot be divided evenly to make two doses of equal strength. Your doctor should be able to prescribe tablets in a dose that will make splitting tablets unnecessary.
For additional information about taking LIPITOR® along with other medicines, see your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience side effects, be sure to tell your doctor or other healthcare professional.
