Lipitor (Atorvastatin) 40mg

Lipitor 40mg is a statin known as atorvastatin calcium. There are many reasons why some people struggle with lowering their cholesterol. Sometimes, changes to lifestyle alone isn’t enough to offset them. The use of a medication called Lipitor 40 mg can help to enhance those other efforts and to help lower risks. This form of medicine is in a category called Statin and it is used to help keep the arteries open and free from clogging.

What is Lipitor 40mg Used for?

The goal with the use of Lipitor 40 mg is to significantly reduce bad cholesterol levels. This will reduce the risk of heart disease. If the patient already has heart disease, the use of this medicine can be a way to prevent it from moving into more challenging stages. Getting the situation under control is important for overall health and quality of life.

Lipitor 40mg Dosing & Administration

Your doctor will likely start you out with a lower dose of Lipitor, but then it may need to be raised to 40 mg per day. This is usually a medicine that has to be taken for a significant period of time. As your health changes, your dose may be increased to 80 mg but if it gets better it can be reduced to 20 mg or even 10 mg. Working closely with your doctor and following your treatment plan will help you get the best results.

You will need to take Lipitor 40 mg every day, with or without food. Some people do experience nausea if they take it on an empty stomach. Don’t skip doses of this medicine even if you are feeling better. Don’t take more or less of it than what your doctor has prescribed for you.

Lipitor 40mg Side Effects & Precautions

You need to fully disclose to your doctor any medications that you take and any herbal products or vitamins. Not everything is going to work well with Lipitor 40 mg so you have to make sure you don’t mix the wrong products and create more side effects. Don’t consume grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice as this can trigger higher levels of side effects.

If you have problems with your kidneys or your liver, this may not be a safe medication to take. Your doctor will need to determine if the benefits from the medicine outweigh the potential risks. It is important to have your liver checked on a regular basis when you are taking this medication. If you are older than 70 the potential for side effects is higher.

The basis side effects that someone may have when introduced to Lipitor 40 mg could include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Nose that is stuffy or runny
• Sore throat

You need to tell your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Muscle problems
• Shortness of breath