Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

Take Atorvastatin (Lipitor) exactly as directed.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; gas; headache; stomach pain or upset; weakness

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bone, joint, or tendon pain; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; flu-like symptoms; joint pain; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); painful or frequent urination; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe stomach pain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; yellowing of the eyes or skin

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), colchicine, diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Atorvastatin (Lipitor)'s effectiveness
Digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Atorvastatin (Lipitor) may interact with other medicines that you take.

In case of overdose, you need to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 and local emergency services at 911.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are planning to become pregnant

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, or a history of seizures

if you have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems

if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse

if you have recently had major surgery, a serious injury, or a stroke

Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.

Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Atorvastatin (Lipitor) before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery

Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments

If you have any questions about Atorvastatin (Lipitor), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider