GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a cholesterol lowering medication. '.

If you think Lipitor is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Atorvastatin

Lipitor is the brand name of atorvastatin, a statin medication that is prescribed to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

High cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other heart-related complications.

Lipitor can also raise the level of HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, in the blood.

Lipitor is, at times, prescribed to people with an existing heart condition to lower the risk of experiencing a heart attack or other cardiac event.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Lipitor patient information leaflet.

Lipitor belongs to the group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or simply referred to as statins. These drugs are used most of the time to treat similar conditions.

Lipitor works by lowering your low-density lipoprotein or LDL, also referred to as the bad cholesterol and raising your good cholesterol – the high-density lipoprotein or HDL. Lipitor improves your body’s ability to get rid of your LDL cholesterol through your liver.

Lipitor Use

The main benefit of Lipitor is the lowering of low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol. It is also effective in raising the level of high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol. Lipitor improves the body’s ability to get rid of bad cholesterol through the liver.

Lipitor Tablets

Read the patient information leaflet that comes with the product package before you start using the medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is something on the product’s use that you do not understand.

Lipitor is to be taken by mouth with or without a meal. Strictly follow the instructions of your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, your response to treatment, your age, and the other medications you may be taking. Share with your doctor a list of all medications you are currently taking.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of Lipitor in the bloodstream. Consult your doctor for details

Your doctor may start you with the lowest dose of Lipitor and gradually increase the dose as your body gets used to the medication. The increase in the dose should not be done more than once every 2 weeks.

Continue taking Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

If you miss your dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose when you remember it very close to your next regular dose.

Strictly follow your doctor’s advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you start feeling the benefits of this drug.

Lipitor 10mg/20mg/40mg/80mg

Lipitor is prescribed once daily. The usual starting dose for adults is 10 to 20 mg per day and the maximum dose is 80 mg per day.

Children should get not more than 10 mg once daily up to a maximum dose of 20 mg daily.

Lipitor Side Effects

Along with the useful effects of Lipitor, this medicine can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone who takes Lipitor experiences them.

The minor side effects of Lipitor include:

• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• A headache

The common side effects of Lipitor include:

• Joint pain
• Urinary tract infection
• Common cold
• Pain in the extremities

Lipitor may result in serious side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience the following:

• Muscle breakdown and muscle wasting
• Fever
• Memory problems such as confusion
• Dark urine
• Drowsiness
• Increased thirst or hunger
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Lipitor use may result in liver and muscle damage, although serious liver damage is very rare. Your doctor may require you to submit to a liver test before you start taking the medication.

Alcohol intake may increase the risk of serious side effects of Lipitor.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You should not get pregnant while you are taking Lipitor. Ask your doctor about the birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Lipitor, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately. Lipitor is known to harm the fetus.

Do not breastfeed while you are taking Lipitor.

Lipitor oral tablets may interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the medication from working well.

Before you take Lipitor, share with your doctor a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Find out from your doctor how Lipitor may interact with the other drugs that you are taking.

You can safely buy Lipitor online at UK Meds. You will need to have first an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is the right medication for your medical condition.