Lipitor (atorvastatin)
LIPITOR (atorvastatin) – is an antilipidemic drug commonly used to treat excess lipids (primarily cholesterol and triglycerides) in patients with these disorders. Atorvastatin is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (statin) indicated as an adjunct therapy to diet to reduce the risk of MI, stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in patients without CHD, but with multiple risk factors and to reduce the risk of MI and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes without CHD, but with multiple risk factors.
Other FDA approved uses:
1. Reduce the risk of non-fatal MI, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalization for CHF, and angina in patients with CHD.
2. Reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, apo B, and TG levels and increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) and mixed dyslipidemia.
3. Reduce elevated TG in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and primary dysbetalipoproteinemia ).
4. Reduce total-C and LDL-C in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) .
5. Reduce elevated total-C, LDL-C, and apo B levels in boys and postmenarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia after failing an adequate trial of diet therapy.
LIPITOR (atorvastatin) has not been studied in Fredrickson Types I and V dyslipidemias.
Available dosage forms: Tablets – 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg.
Usual dosage: Lipitor (atorvastatin) is usually prescribed in a dose range of 10 to 80 mg daily. Pediatric dosage may be lower (10 mg start, 20 mg maximum).
Contraindications: Lipitor should not be prescribed to patients with active liver disease, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, those with hypersensitivity (allergy) to any component of this medication.
Adverse reactions (side effects) of Lipitor: The most common side effects of Lipitor include nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, diarrhea, pain in the extremities, and urinary tract infections. Other reported side effects include: Dyspepsia, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, muscle spasms, myalgia, insomnia, and pharyngolaryngeal (throat/neck) pain.
Common drug interactions: Atorvastatin has been reported to interact with HIV protease inhibitors (nelfinavir, fosamprenavir and combinations of any of the following plus ritonavir: fosamprenavir, tipranavir, lopinavir, or saquinavir), telapravir, bocepravir, clarythromycin, cyclosporine and itraconazole).
Special instructions for patients: Take exactly as directed by physician. Reduction and control of lipid levels is dependent upon adherence to medication, along with regular exercise and dietary modification.
Full prescribing information may be found at the manufacturer Lipitor.com or at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at Lipitor Prescribing Information from drugs@FDA
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