Product Information
Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) is a prescription drug for lowering cholesterol. For people with high cholesterol, Lipitor, along with diet and exercise, can reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly. Lipitor is the #1 prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication prescribed to more than 18 million people. It's been proven to bring numbers down and keep them there. Here are some interesting things to know if you're taking the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium):*Lipitor lowers total cholesterol by 29% to 45% (average effect depending on dose).
*Lipitor lowers bad, low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol by 39% to 60% (average effects depending on dose).
*Lipitor lowers triglyceride levels by 19% to 37% (average effect depending on dose).
*Lipitor increases good high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol levels by 5% to 9% (average effects depending on dose).
*Over 18 million people in the USA have been prescribed Lipitor for lowering their cholesterol.
*Lipitor is the #1-prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug in the United States and the world.
- Lipitor
- What is Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is used/indicated for?
- How Lipitor (Atorvastatin) work in the body?
- Is Lipitor (Atorvastatin) a prescription medication?
- Dosage of Lipitor?
- For how long should Lipitor be taken to lower cholesterol?
- What are some commonly reported side effects of taking Lipitor or generic Lipitor?
- Under what circumstances should Lipitor not be used?
- How should Lipitor tablets be stored/kept?
- Major Drug (Lipitor and other similar drug) Manufacturers
- Similar Drugs
- From where can one get Lipitor?
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) tablets belong to a category of medications used to reduce cholesterol in the blood. Lipitor tablets are available in dosages of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg (atorvastatin calcium)film-coated tablets. Lipitor/Atorvastatin is being manufactured by Pfizer in Canada and the US and by Parke-Davis (which is a division of Pfizer in some parts of the world).
What is Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is used/indicated for?
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is primarily prescribed for the reduction of cholesterol and certain other fatty substances, which block the normal flow of blood from heart to other parts of the body. Cholesterol is a substance similar to wax present in the blood. There are two types of Cholesterol: LDL and HDL. One is the bad cholesterol (LDL) and one is good cholesterol (HDL).
LDL is called as the bad cholesterol and HDL as the good cholesterol, and they also function in an opposite manner. The amount of LDL cholesterol in the body should be on the lower side, because it is bad if its amount is high in the blood. In contrast, HDL cholesterol should be on the higher side, as it good for the blood and the normal functioning of the body.
There are medicines available in the market that helps in the reduction of the LDL cholesterol and also increase the amount of HDL cholesterol on the other side. Lipitor/Atorvastatin is amongst the very popular drugs used for this purpose.
Besides the above, Lipitor/Atorvastatin also helps in the reduction of the quantity, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol). Thereby, Lipitor/Atorvastatin acts by helping in the reduction of the risks involved with blocking the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Lipitor/ Atorvastatin should be used in combination with some restrictions in the diet patterns, so that Lipitor can work properly, and its effects are maximized.
How Lipitor (Atorvastatin) work in the body?
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a drug that comes in the category called Statins. These types of drugs are prescribed to lower the bad cholesterol in the body. Statin drugs work by preventing the formation of a particular enzyme present in liver. This is the enzyme that works as an assistant to cholesterol and helps in the cholesterol metabolism in the body.
Drugs like Lipitor help in reducing the amount of LDL (Bad) cholesterol and increases the HDL (Good) cholesterol. Also, these cholesterol-lowering drugs not only lower blood cholesterol, but in some people, they can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke which are caused when the arteries get clogged and prevent proper blood flow throughout the body.
Some other major drugs in category of statins, used to lower cholesterol are Zocor, Pravachol, Lescol, Mevacor and Altocor. Lipitor is one of the most potent per mg of these drugs.
Is Lipitor (Atorvastatin) a prescription medication?
It is important to consult a doctor before taking Lipitor (Atorvastatin) or any other cholesterol lowering drug. Lipitor may interact with certain other medicines and some dietary precautions have to be followed while you take Lipitor/ Atorvastatin tablets. It is recommended to take Lipitor under doctor's guidance.
Lipitor/Atorvastatin is generally recommended once a day and Lipitor may be taken with or without food. Grapefruit may interfere with Lipitor and can cause harmful side effects. While taking Lipitor tablets, patients should consider a healthy and/or modified diet that is low in fat and cholesterol. One can ask a doctor for the exact dosage of Lipitor tablets. To save money on Lipitor tablets, you can order double strength of your regular prescription and split the tablets in half with a pill splitter!
For how long should Lipitor be taken to lower cholesterol?
There is no time duration specified for the intake of Lipitor/Atorvastatin. However, the intake of Lipitor should not be stopped even after the cholesterol level has decreased. Once your cholesterol has been lowered to a satisfactory/safe level your doctor may choose to lower your Lipitor or generic Lipitor's strength in order to maintain good cholesterol levels in your body. Only a doctor can best describe the time period for which Lipitor (Atorvastatin) should be taken.
What are some commonly reported side effects of taking Lipitor or generic Lipitor?
- Allergies
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gastric problems
- Pain in stomach
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rashes
- Itching
Under what circumstances should Lipitor not be used?
- Lipitor should not be taken if one has or has a liver problem.
- It should not be taken if a lady is pregnant, is planning to become pregnant or is breast-feeding.
- Lipitor should be taken under doctor's guidance if one is taking alcohol.
- A doctor should be consulted before taking Lipitor/ Atorvastatin, if one is already using any other cholesterol lowering drug.
- A medical practitioner should be consulted, if a person has some problem with any body organ.
- If a person is having high intake of fatty foods containing high levels of cholesterol, Lipitor should not be used.
How should Lipitor tablets be stored/kept?
As per the general indications of storing most medications that do not require refrigeration, Lipitor tablets maintain best shelf lifeif stored at room temperature. It is important to keep Lipitor away from bathrooms or kitchen counters where moisture and heat may affect the quality of Lipitor tablets. Lipitor, like all prescription and OTC medications should be kept away from the reach of children.
Major Drug (Lipitor and other similar drug) Manufacturers
- AstraZeneca
- Novartis
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Merck Sharp & Dohme
- Pharmacia & Upjohn
- Schering-Plough
- Parke-Davis
- Novo Pharmaceuticals
- Crestor (Rosuvastatin)(AstraZeneca)
- Lescol (Fluvastatin) (Novartis)
- Lipostat (Pravastatin sodium) (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
- Pravachol (Pravastatin)(Novo Pharmaceuticals)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor) (AstraZeneca)
- Zocor (Simvastatin) (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
- Colestid (Colestipol)(Pharmacia & Upjohn)
- Questran (Cholestyramine) (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
- Acipimox (Olbetam) (Pharmacia & Upjohn)
- Zetia (Ezetrol/Ezetimibe) (MSD / Schering-Plough)
From where can one get Lipitor?
Anyone can buy Lipitor tablets from this trusted and affordable Online Pharmacy, where Lipitor is always available at discounted prices! They sell Lipitor for almost 50% off as compared to Lipitor from the States. The best way to order Lipitor online is from licensed pharmacies and by logging on to http://www.abconlinepharmacy.com for online orders. This pharmacy provides you with lots of prescription and over-the-counter medications at cheap and affordable prices. You can order the medicine and pay using your VISA, MasterCard, Personal Checks, or International Money Order.
