Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

Description

Lipitor contains atorvastatin, a statin. It lowers cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol, and it increases the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood. Atorvastatin is licensed to treat raised cholesterol and mixed dyslipidaemia, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people at increased risk.

One tablet is taken once a day; unlike some older statins it does not have to be taken in the evening, so choose a time you will remember and keep to it. It is taken alongside a diet lower in saturated fat, not instead of one. Tell your prescriber promptly about unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with a fever.

Atorvastatin must not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell your prescriber about other medicines, as some antifungals, antibiotics and HIV treatments raise atorvastatin levels in the blood.

• Statin that lowers cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase
• For raised cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk
• One tablet daily, at any time of day
• Available in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg tablets
• Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
• Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding