Does Lipitor cause liver damage?

Does Lipitor cause liver damage?

Generic Name: Atorvastatin 

Brand Name: Lipitor

What is Lipitor?

• Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or "statins". Reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglyceride in the blood, while "good" cholesterol levels increase (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

• Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or another heart disease due to other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or genetically high cholesterol.

• Lipitor is for use in adults and children at least 10 years old.

Lipitor and liver damage

• The risk of Lipitor and liver damage was first identified in clinical trials. Researchers found that 0.7% of all patients on Lipitor had elevated liver enzyme levels in their blood, and this increased to 2.3% of patients taking 80 mg of Lipitor daily. This complication occurs when damaged liver tissue releases enzymes into the bloodstream. However, the exact mechanism of how Lipitor increases liver enzyme levels is unknown.

Do not use Lipitor if you are allergic to atorvastatin, or if you have:

• Liver disease; Or
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Important Information

Does Lipitor cause liver damage?

• Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or have had an allergic reaction to Lipitor in the past.

• Atorvastatin can cause a condition in which skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor, especially if you have a fever, abnormal fatigue, or dark-colored urine if there is unclear muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

• Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol. Lipitor will not be effective for your cholesterol reduction unless you follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Lipitor started working in about 2 weeks. Lipitor is part of a complete program of treatment that includes diet, exercise and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routine very closely.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you ever have:

• Liver problems;
• Muscle pain or weakness;
• Kidney disease;
• Diabetes;
• A thyroid disorder; Or
• If you drink 2 alcoholic drinks per day.
• How do I take Lipitor?

Take Lipitor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all the instructions on your prescription label and read all the medication guides or instructions. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in large or small quantities or for longer than recommended.Lipitor is usually taken at once with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.Do not break a Lipitor tablet before taking it.

If you need to stop using this medicine for a short time, you should:

• Unrestricted operation;
• An electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
• Severe low blood pressure;
• A serious infection or illness; Or
• Surgery or a medical emergency.

It may take up to 2 weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, the tests can help your doctor by checking if Lipitor is effective.

Lipitor is just part of a complete treatment program that can include diet, exercise and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Lipitor side effects

• If you receive emergency medical help Lipitor's allergic reaction symptoms: Dysentery; Difficulty in breathing; Rashes on your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• In rare cases, Lipitor can cause a condition in which skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you have a fever, abnormal fatigue, and dark-colored urine.

Also, call your doctor once:

• Pain or burning when you urinate;
• Upper abdominal pain, weakness, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes (liver problems); Or
• Feel little or no urination, rash, legs or ankles in your legs or ankles (signs of kidney problems).
• Common side effects of Lipitor may include:
• Pain in connection;
• Staff Nike, Throat Throat;
• Diarrhea; Or
• Pain in your arms or legs.

 Call your doctor for a doctor's advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect Lipitor?

Some other medicines may increase the risk of serious muscle problems, and your doctor must know which one you are using. Tell your doctor about your current medicines and any you start or stop, especially:

• Antibiotic or antifungal medication;
• Birth control pills;
• Other cholesterol-lowering medications;
• Heart medicine; Or
• HIV or AIDS treatment medication.

This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may interact with atorvastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

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