What is Generic Lipitor?Generic Lipitor is a prescription drug in one of the newest classes of chole sterol-lowering medications, called statins. These drugs have been used widely for the last 5 years. For people with high chol esterol, Generic Lipitor, in combination with a low-fat diet, can reduce your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body`s cells. It is normal to have cholesterol, in fact, cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it is used to form cell membranes; hormones and other needed tissues. However, too high a level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease.
Generic Lipitor is a safe, FDA approved, prescription medication that can naturally reduce the levels of cholesterol. Generic Lipitor blocks a key enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the formation of cholesterol.
What do I need to know about it?
Most people will require the starting dose, which is a 10 mg tablet once daily. Your doctor will determine the dose that is right for you, which may be 10 mg to 80 mg. Generic Lipitor can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. The amount or how often Generic Lipitor is taken should never be changed without consulting your healthcare professional.
Who should not take?
Some people should not take Generic 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 Generic Lipitor.
What are the side effects?
Generic Lipitor is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild. In studies, the most common side effects associated with Generic Lipitor were constipation, flatulence, indigestion, and abdominal pain. If you are prescribed Generic Lipitor 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.
For additional information about taking Generic Lipitor along with other medicines, see your doctor. If you experience side effects, be sure to tell your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Are there any contraindicatons to taking Generic Lipitor?
Individuals who have active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases should not take the medication. Concerning women of child bearing age, since the active ingredient in Generic Lipitor, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, they may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women.Therefore, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are contraindicated during pregnancy and in nursing mothers. ATORVASTATIN SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED TO WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE ONLY WHEN SUCH PATIENTS ARE HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO CONCEIVE AND HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, therapy should be discontinued and the patient apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. In addition, individuals that have any know hypersensitivity to any component of the medication should also refrain from taking Generic Lipitor. |
