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All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
Lipitor is a statin with the active ingredient atorvastatin. It is available on prescription from your doctor. Statins are drugs, which are used to treat people with high cholesterol, or who are deemed at risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Statins are available to people who are in good health, who have a high risk of developing heart disease in the future. They are also prescribed to people who have already suffered a heart attack, a stroke or cardiovascular disease in order to reduce future risk.
Lipitor is a type of medication called a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Lipitor blocks the action of HMG CoA Reductase enzyme in the liver. The HMG CoA Reductase enzyme makes LDL cholesterol, ‘bad cholesterol’. Lipitor also increases the levels of HDL cholesterol, ‘good cholesterol’.
It is possible to get side effects from any prescription medication. Lipitor can cause side effects but these are usually mild and will go away if the medication is stopped. The side effects of Lipitor include headaches, muscle pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, rashes, nausea, weakness, problems sleeping, problems with memory and depression. Taking Lipitor can sometimes result in liver failure or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, though this is extremely rare.
Pregnant women should not take Lipitor. Neither should women who trying to get pregnant as the drug can affect the unborn foetus. Lipitor should not be taken by anyone with liver problems or with a history of liver problems.
Lipitor can interact with medications, such as protease inhibitors, which are used to treat HIV, erythromycin, itraconazole verapamil, dilitazem, clarithromycin, fibric acid and niacin.
People who are taking niacin and fibric acids may on occasion be prescribed Lipitor, but on these occasions it will be prescribed with caution.
