Be sure that the gain is not from other medications that you may be taking or another medical condition. I am taking 40 mg Lipitor, and my muscle in my legs are very tight, although I try to stretch regularly. I am thinking of cutting down to 20 mg to see if this makes a difference.
What do you think? Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness may be signs of a serious side effect associated with the use of statins, the class of drugs that includes Lipitor atorvastatin.
Patients should stop using Lipitor and contact their physician right away for any of those signs. Your physician or health care provider can evaluate whether Lipitor should be continued. You may also find helpful information at: Can Lipitor cause weight gain or anxiety?
According to the prescribing information available for Lipitor, neither weight gain nor anxiety were commonly reported side effects. If you are experiencing weight gain or anxiety, you may want to contact your doctor to determine the cause.
For additional information regarding Lipitor, go to this Everyday Health page: Does grapefruit interact with Lipitor? Lipitor atorvastatin is affected by grapefruit juice. The effects can last up to 24 hours after ingesting this. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with transacting and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. When taking Lipitor in the evening, does eating grapefruit in the morning have a negative effect?
I am a diabetic. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Lipitor atorvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Separating the time you take Lipitor from the time you consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice consumption will not prevent the interaction. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Consult your physician or healthcare provider for specific recommendations. Does Lipitor adversely interact with any vitamins?
I am taking it every 3rd day since December and lately have been having muscle issues. According to the package insert for Lipitor, there are no specific drug interactions with vitamins.
It is important to promptly report to your healthcare provider any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness. This may be a side effect of the Lipitor and should be addressed with your healthcare provider.
It is important to consult with your physician or healthcare provider about any specific questions regarding your medical conditions or medications; particularly before taking any action. To learn more about high cholesterol on Everyday Health: What could the effects be of taking 80 mg per day of Lipitor? Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.
Less serious side effects may include: Mild stomach pain, gas, bloating, stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain or upset, constipation, bloating, gas, stuffy nose, itching or skin rash. Some of the side effects listed above can be dose related, the higher the dose, the more likely a side effect can occur. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome symptoms. Can statins like Lipitor kill you?
According to the prescribing information available for Lipitor, the studies show that there were no significant differences between the group receiving Lipitor and the group receiving placebo for all-cause mortality death.
Lipitor is approved, by the U. Food and Drug Administration, in doses up to 80mg, to treat high cholesterol and should be used in conjunction with a low fat and low cholesterol diet. According to the manufacturer, the most serious side effects associated with treatment with Lipitor include problems with muscle and the liver. Symptoms that indicate a patient is experiencing side effects from Lipitor may include, muscle weakness, tenderness and pain, dark-colored urine, unexplained tiredness and stomach pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, while taking Lipitor, contact your health care provider. Your doctor should also do routine blood work to monitor cholesterol levels and liver function. For additional information on Lipitor and high cholesterol you may want to visit our website. How often should I have my blood checked?
According to the research, it is recommended to have lipid levels checked after two to four weeks of therapy. Liver function tests should be measured prior to the initiation of therapy of Lipitor atorvastatin and again at twelve weeks of therapy. If the dosage of the medication is increased then liver function tests should be drawn twelve weeks following the adjustment of the dosage.
Thereafter these initial lab measurements, liver function tests should be performed periodically. As always, please consult with your healthcare provider about your personal medical needs and drug monitoring.
I am a 71 years old female taking Lipitor. My legs are a bit weak as a result and sometimes I have memory lapse. Does Lipitor causes muscle weakness and occasional memory lapse? If the medication is stopped they think the memory loss may stop.
This loss of memory may also be because of our aging process in which we all get forgetful at some time or other. If you are seeing muscle weakness then you should contact your health care provider and let them know. They want to know this symptom you are feeling. If something just dose not feel right then you let your provider know.
I have been adjusting my Lipitor dose depending on my cholesterol levels and on whether or not I am eating a fatty diet. Kindly advise me if I should do this differently? I normally check my cholesterol 2 to 3 times a year. A common belief is that cholesterol is only for the foods we eat.
The truth is the largest part of the cholesterol affecting our arteries is actually made by our bodies. That means our bodies are making cholesterol everyday no matter what we eat. The best advice is take your Lipitor atorvastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Cholesterol levels will typically change from month to month due to a number or factors which even include the lab test itself.
The important point is to keep your cholesterol below the level recommended by your doctor by watching your diet, exercising, and taking your Lipitor daily. What is the over-the-counter drug that blocks the absorption of Lipitor into the bloodstream? Lipitor atorvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol by reducing the cholesterol produced by the body. Lipitor has several interactions with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
The herbal product St John's Wort can decrease the levels of Lipitor in the bloodstream. Another over-the-counter medication that interacts with Lipitor is red yeast rice, which can increase the risk of side effects when the two medications are taken together. Large quantities of grapefruit juice and alcohol should also be avoided by patients taking Lipitor because of increased risk of side effects. It's always important to talk with your health care provider before adding any medications including over-the-counter and herbal medications to your currently prescribed medications.
Laura Cable, PharmD Q: Recently, my doctor increased my Lipitor from 10 mg to 40 mg because of a 50 point increase in cholesterol to , after being stable for years on the 10 mg.
I'm concerned about side effects from the much larger dosage. It is a common concern when a patient has been taking a particular strength of a medication for a length of time. The side effects of Lipitor atorvastatin are still the same whether the dose is 10 mg or 40 mg. However, a higher dose may increase the potential for side effects. For some patients, the side effects from an increased dose are not noticeable.
For others, the side effects are more evident. Side effects that are bothersome and any concerns about a change in dose should be discussed with your physician.
A physician may choose to monitor a patient more frequently based on changes in dosage, current cholesterol results, and communication of side effects. I take phenobarbital and other anti-seizure medicines. Is it okay for me to take Lipitor as well? There is no documented drug interaction between phenobarbital and Lipitor atorvastatin. Other seizure medications may interact with Lipitor, however.
Sarah Lewis, PharmD Q: Is there a generic equivalent to Lipitor? At present, there is no generic form of atorvastatin Lipitor. The earliest date a generic atovastatin could arrive on the market is November Although Lipitor is not yet available in a generic form, other statin medications in the same cholesterol-fighting therapeutic class are already available in generic form.
Please consult your health care provider for guidance in your specific case and visit the following link: Gregory Latham, RPh Q: Should I take it before bedtime? I advise patients to take cholesterol medication at bedtime. There is less stress on your body and there is less that your liver has to metabolize.
Matt Curley, PharmD Q: Is there a generic for Lipitor, or is there a less expensive medication? Lipitor is in a class of medications called statins and is used to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Statins include the drugs Lipitor atorvastatin , Zocor simvastatin , Pravachol pravastatin , Lescol fluvastatin Crestor rosuvastatin and Mevacor lovastatin.
Currently there is no generic available on the market for Lipitor. Most of the other statins are available as a generic equivalent and could possibly be a cheaper copay on your insurance. Consult with a physician about possible alternatives to the Lipitor. Are there any generic equivalents for Lotrel, Lipitor and Antara? Brand name prescription drugs are protected under patent.
When the patent expires, other drug companies can start manufacturing and selling a generic form of the drug. The patent for Lipitor atorvastatin will not expire until , while the patent for Antara micronized fenofibrate will not expire until Therefore, no generic forms are currently available for those two drugs.
Other medications may be available that could be appropriate substitutes. However, the choice of medication will depend on your specific circumstances. When will a generic equivalent for Lipitor be available? Lipitor atorvastatin belongs to the class of drugs known as statins. These drugs work to reduce cholesterol levels. Lipitor is still under its patent and is only available as the brand name product.
It is expected to be available in generic form in late Several other statins, including pravastatin Pravachol , lovastatin Mevacor , and simvastatin Zocor , are available in generic form. For more information, please contact your local pharmacist. The original may contain images or tables and can be viewed in PDF format using the link to the left.
You may need to read it again. If you have further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others.
It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
What Simvastatin Tablets are and what they are used for 2. Before you take Simvastatin Tablets 3. How to take Simvastatin Tablets 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Simvastatin Tablets 6. These work by reducing the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances, called triglycerides, in your blood.
Cholesterol is important for the body to work properly but if cholesterol levels are too high hypercholesterolaemia , it can build up on the walls of the arteries atherosclerosis which can lead to a blockage of the blood vessels. This can lead to angina crushing chest pain and a heart attack. High cholesterol in your blood may be caused by many factors, including a diet high in cholesterol and fats, certain existing diseases, inherited disease and lack of exercise.
Your doctor may have prescribed Simvastatin Tablets as an addition to dietary measures because: You have high levels of cholesterol hypercholesterolaemia or triglycerides mixed dyslipidaemia in your blood, which have not been lowered by diet, weight loss or exercise, or You have been told that you have inherited a condition called homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia a rare illness which runs in the family and causes a high level of cholesterol in the blood , or You are suffering from coronary heart disease CHD or you are at risk of developing CHD because you have diabetes, have had a stroke, or other blood vessel disease.
The dose titration to 80 mg daily is supported by study data in adults and by limited clinical data from studies in children with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia see sections 4. There are limited safety and efficacy data available in children with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia between 6 to 10 years of age derived from open-label studies.
Atorvastatin is not indicated in the treatment of patients below the age of 10 years. Currently available data are described in sections 4. Method of administration Lipitor is for oral administration. Each daily dose of atorvastatin is given all at once and may be given at any time of day with or without food. Patients who develop any signs or symptoms suggestive of liver injury should have liver function tests performed.
Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored until the abnormality ies resolve. Should an increase in transaminases of greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal ULN persist, reduction of dose or withdrawal of Lipitor is recommended see section 4. Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels SPARCL In a post-hoc analysis of stroke subtypes in patients without coronary heart disease CHD who had a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack TIA there was a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in patients initiated on atorvastatin 80 mg compared to placebo.
The increased risk was particularly noted in patients with prior hemorrhagic stroke or lacunar infarct at study entry. For patients with prior hemorrhagic stroke or lacunar infarct, the balance of risks and benefits of atorvastatin 80 mg is uncertain, and the potential risk of hemorrhagic stroke should be carefully considered before initiating treatment see section 5. There have been very rare reports of an immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy IMNM during or after treatment with some statins.
IMNM is clinically characterised by persistent proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment. Before the treatment Atorvastatin should be prescribed with caution in patients with pre-disposing factors for rhabdomyolysis.
A CK level should be measured before starting statin treatment in the following situations: Creatine kinase measurement Creatine kinase CK should not be measured following strenuous exercise or in the presence of any plausible alternative cause of CK increase as this makes value interpretation difficult.
Whilst on treatment - Patients must be asked to promptly report muscle pain, cramps, or weakness especially if accompanied by malaise or fever. Concomitant treatment with other medicinal products Risk of rhabdomyolysis is increased when atorvastatin is administered concomitantly with certain medicinal products that may increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin such as potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 or transport proteins e.
If possible, alternative non-interacting therapies should be considered instead of these medicinal products. In cases where co-administration of these medicinal products with atorvastatin is necessary, the benefit and the risk of concurrent treatment should be carefully considered. When patients are receiving medicinal products that increase the plasma concentration of atorvastatin, a lower maximum dose of atorvastatin is recommended.
In addition, in the case of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, a lower starting dose of atorvastatin should be considered and appropriate clinical monitoring of these patients is recommended see section 4.
Atorvastatin must not be co-administered with systemic formulations of fusidic acid or within 7 days of stopping fusidic acid treatment.
In patients where the use of systemic fusidic acid is considered essential, statin treatment should be discontinued throughout the duration of fusidic acid treatment. There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis including some fatalities in patients receiving fusidic acid and statins in combination see section 4.
The patient should be advised to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, pain or tenderness. Noteworthy, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity appears to have a half-life of 20—30 h, which is thought to be due to the active metabolites.
Atorvastatin is also a substrate of the intestinal P-glycoprotein efflux transporter, which pumps the drug back into the intestinal lumen during drug absorption. Additionally, healthy elderly patients show a greater pharmacodynamic response to atorvastatin at any dose; therefore, this population may have lower effective doses.
This phenomenon is suspected to be related to increased plasma levels of pharmacologically active metabolites, such as atorvastatin lactone and p-hydroxyatorvastatin. Atorvastatin and its active metabolites may be monitored in potentially susceptible patients using specific chromatographic techniques.
The key step of establishing this drug's stereocenters, through initial use of an inexpensive natural product chiral pool approach. Atorvastatin synthesis during discovery chemistry.
The key step of establishing stereocenters, using of a chiral ester auxiliary approach. The first synthesis of atorvastatin at Parke-Davis that occurred during drug discovery was racemic followed by chiral chromatographic separation of the enantiomers. An early enantioselective route to atorvastatin made use of an ester chiral auxiliary to set the stereochemistry of the first of the two alcohol functional groups via a diastereoselective aldol reaction.
A small increased risk and raised blood sugar levels and the development of type 40mg diabetes have been reported with the use of statins. Although other drugs were in use concurrently, a drug interaction between danazol and lovastatin is suspected, as danazol CYP3A4 inhibitor is known to inhibit lovastatin metabolism. Inhibition of the enzyme decreases de novo cholesterol synthesis, increasing expression of low-density lipoprotein receptors LDL receptors on hepatocytes. A total of 4, people with coronary heart pravastatin 5. Cholesterol also can be taken up from LDL by endocytosis, pravastatin 40mg and grapefruit. Severe The use of simvastatin with is contraindicated due to an increased risk for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Fenofibric Acid may increase the risk lortab 10mg white myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and grapefruit renal failure. Minor Monitor patients for the development of peripheral neuropathy when receiving bortezomib in combination with grapefruit drugs that can cause peripheral and like 40mg reductase inhibitors; the risk of peripheral neuropathy may be additive, pravastatin 40mg and grapefruit. Fosaprepitant mg IV as a single dose increased the AUC of midazolam given on pravastatin 1 and 4 by approximately 1. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis has been observed rarely with concurrent use of statins and erlotinib during post-market use.
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