How should I take atorvastatin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take atorvastatin with a full glass of water. Atorvastatin can be taken with or
without food.
Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day.
Follow your doctor's instructions.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you
have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark
colored urine.
Atorvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet,
exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
You may need to take atorvastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high
cholesterol.
Store atorvastatin at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of atorvastatin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not be as effective
in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking atorvastatin. Alcohol can raise triglyceride
levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking atorvastatin.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and lead to potentially
dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or
decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?
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.
Stop using atorvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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