atorvastatin

Pronunciation: a TOR va sta tin

Lipitor

slide 1 of 49, Lipitor,

10 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 155, 10

Image of Lipitor
slide 1 of 49

Lipitor

slide 2 of 49, Lipitor,

20 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 156, 20

Image of Lipitor
slide 2 of 49

Lipitor

slide 3 of 49, Lipitor,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 157, 40

Image of Lipitor
slide 3 of 49

Lipitor

slide 4 of 49, Lipitor,

80 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Lipitor
slide 4 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 5 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 5 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 6 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 6 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 7 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 7 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 8 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with HLA 10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 8 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 9 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with HLA 20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 9 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 10 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with HLA 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 10 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 11 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with HLA 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 11 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 12 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, A10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 12 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 13 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 13 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 14 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, round, white, imprinted with 1

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 14 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 15 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with 2

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 15 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 16 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, round, white, imprinted with 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 16 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 17 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RDY, 121

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 17 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 18 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RDY, 122

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 18 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 19 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RDY, 123

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 19 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 20 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RDY, 124

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 20 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 21 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 155, 10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 21 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 22 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 156, 20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 22 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 23 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 157, 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 23 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 24 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 24 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 25 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, A10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 25 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 26 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 26 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 27 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 27 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 28 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 28 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 29 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, A10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 29 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 30 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 30 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 31 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 31 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 32 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 32 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 33 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with 2

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 33 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 34 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, round, white, imprinted with 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 34 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 35 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, round, white, imprinted with 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 35 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 36 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX12

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 36 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 37 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX828

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 37 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 38 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX829

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 38 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 39 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX830

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 39 of 49

Lipitor

slide 40 of 49, Lipitor,

80 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Lipitor
slide 40 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 41 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 41 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 42 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5056

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 42 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 43 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5059

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 43 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 44 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5058

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 44 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 45 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5057

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 45 of 49

Lipitor

slide 46 of 49, Lipitor,

10 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 155, 10

Image of Lipitor
slide 46 of 49

Lipitor

slide 47 of 49, Lipitor,

20 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 156, 20

Image of Lipitor
slide 47 of 49

Lipitor

slide 48 of 49, Lipitor,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 157, 40

Image of Lipitor
slide 48 of 49

Lipitor

slide 49 of 49, Lipitor,

80 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Lipitor
slide 49 of 49

What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin?

You should not take atorvastatin if you have liver disease or cirrhosis.

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

What is atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Atorvastatin is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in adults with or without type 2 diabetes or heart disease or other risk factors.

Atorvastatin is also used alone, or along with diet, or with other cholesterol-lowering medications in adults and children aged 10 years and older with an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol.

Atorvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin?

You should not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver failure or cirrhosis.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • muscle pain or weakness;
  • diabetes;
  • stroke;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day; or
  • kidney disease.

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Atorvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take atorvastatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not change your dose or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor's advice.

Atorvastatin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take atorvastatin tablet with or without food.

Take atorvastatin liquid medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Throw away in the trash any unused liquid 60 days after opening the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or atorvastatin will not be as effective.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit may interact with atorvastatin and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products and drinking more than 1.2 liters of grapefruit juice each day.

What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Muscle problems may be more likely in older adults and those who have kidney problems, thyroid problems, or take certain other medicines.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
  • trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
  • liver problems --loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • kidney problems --swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
  • high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects may include:

  • pain in your bones, spine, joints, or muscles;
  • pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;
  • muscle spasms;
  • upset stomach;
  • trouble sleeping;
  • stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat;
  • diarrhea, nausea; or
  • pain in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect atorvastatin?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which can increase risk of serious muscle problems or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect atorvastatin, especially:

  • other cholesterol lowering medicine--gemfibrozil, niacin, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, and others;
  • colchicine;
  • antibiotic or antifungal medicine--rifampin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole;
  • birth control pills;
  • medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or
  • antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect atorvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about atorvastatin.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.