Lipitor

Overview

What is Lipitor? 

Lipitor, whose active ingredient is atorvastatin, belongs to a class of drugs known as statins. It is used primarily to help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Atorvastatin works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver. 

Global Name

Atorvastatin is the generic name for Lipitor, which is also available under various other brand names such as Atorva, Lipvas, Lipistad and Sortis. 

Usage

What is Lipitor used for? 

Lipitor is prescribed primarily to lower the levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood while increasing levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). It is used in the management of: 

• Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) 
• Hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood) 
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases 
• Stroke prevention 

How do you use Lipitor?  

Availability:

Lipitor is available in tablet form.

Dosage information:

• Adults: Typically, the starting dose is 10-20 mg per day. The dose may be adjusted depending on cholesterol levels and patient response. 
• Children (10 years and older): Initial dose is usually 10 mg daily. 

Allergies and Contraindications: 
People with a known allergy to atorvastatin should not use Lipitor. Additionally, it should not be used in patients with active liver disease.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Lipitor should be taken at the same time each day, usually before bedtime, with or without food. 
• Regular liver function tests are recommended. 
• Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. 

Drug and Food/Beverage Interactions: 

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the enzyme for processing Lipitor, leading to increased drug levels in the blood. 
• Should not be used concurrently with certain antibiotics and antifungals without medical supervision. 

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Severe effects may include liver dysfunction and muscle breakdown. 

Pharmacist Tips

Storage information:

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

Handling instructions:

Handle with clean hands and do not share your medication with others. 

Availability

Where is Lipitor available in Hong Kong?

Lipitor is a prescription medication that can be prescribed by healthcare providers. 

FAQs

Can Lipitor be taken on an empty stomach? 

Yes, Lipitor can be taken with or without food. 

Is Lipitor safe for pregnant women? 

Lipitor is generally not recommended during pregnancy and should only be used if clearly needed under a doctor's supervision. 

Can Lipitor cause weight gain? 

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Lipitor; however, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a crucial role in managing weight. 

How long does it take for Lipitor to work? 

Lipitor starts working within about 2 weeks, but it may take up to 4 weeks to see a significant change in cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring is recommended. 

What not to eat or drink while taking Lipitor?  

While taking Lipitor, it's important to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can increase the medication’s blood levels, potentially leading to serious side effects. Additionally, reducing alcohol intake is advised as it may worsen liver function.