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Lipitor Side EffectsLipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug with its main active ingredient being Atorvastatin calcium. More specifically, Lipitor should be used along with a low-fat diet to lower an individual's cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack.Common Lipitor Side Effects If any side effects develop, they are typically mild and may include - Flu symptoms, fluid retention, gas, hair loss, headache, abdominal pain, depression, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, distorted facial muscles, dizziness, abnormal heartbeat, accidental injury, acne, allergic reaction, amnesia, back pain, black stools, bleeding, breast enlargement, changes in eyesight, sweating, tingling of extremities, unstable emotions, urinary problems, changes in taste sensation, chest pain, constipation, decreased sex drive, dry eyes, fatigue, fever, hearing difficulties, heartburn, increased muscle movement, increased sensations, indigestion, inflammation of sinus and nasal passages, insomnia, itching, joint pain, lack of coordination, leg cramps, muscle aching or weakness, purple or red spots on the skin, rash, respiratory problems, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, skin irritations, sore throat, strange dreams, vomiting, weakness, weight gain, weight loss. It is quite possible for side effects other than those listed here to occur. If this happens and/or if any seem particularly strange or bothersome, contact a healthcare provider. Special Lipitor Precautions Lipitor is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight loss fail to bring the patient's cholesterol levels under control. It's important to remember that Lipitor is a supplement, not a substitute, for those other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, patients need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by their doctor or healthcare provider. All these efforts to keep cholesterol levels normal are important because they may lower the risk of heart disease. Drugs in Lipitor's class have occasionally been known to damage muscle tissue, so be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unexplained muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain, especially if it is accompanied by a fever or sick feeling. The patient's doctor may then want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage. Developing babies need a lot of cholesterol, so Lipitor should never be used during pregnancy. In fact, doctors are unlikely to prescribe Lipitor if there is even a chance that the patient may become pregnant. If a patient conceives while taking Lipitor they should notify their doctor right away. Lipitor does make its way into breast milk, so you should not take the drug while breastfeeding your baby. If Lipitor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lipitor with any of the following drugs - Antacids such as Maalox TC Suspension, Colestipol (Colestid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, others), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, Slo-Niacin) and Oral contraceptives. Warning: This information is intended to supplement, not be a substitute for the expertise and judgment of a doctor. Please consult a doctor for final and more detailed information about the possible side effects of this prescription medication. |
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