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Lipitor Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Lipitor, a popular cholesterol-lowering medication, has been widely prescribed to millions of people worldwide. While it is generally considered safe and effective, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals. In this article, we will explore the potential side effects of taking Lipitor and what you can do to minimize them.

Common Side Effects

According to the FDA-approved label, the most common side effects of Lipitor include:

* Muscle pain or weakness (myalgia or myasthenia)
* Liver damage or inflammation (hepatitis)
* Increased blood sugar levels
* Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels (a muscle enzyme)
* Nausea or stomach pain
* Diarrhea
* Gas
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Dizziness

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

While rare, some serious side effects of Lipitor have been reported, including:

* Rhabdomyolysis (a severe muscle condition)
* Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
* Kidney damage or failure
* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
* Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe skin and mucous membrane disorder)
* Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)

Long-Term Side Effects

Some studies have suggested that long-term use of Lipitor may be associated with an increased risk of:

* Cognitive impairment or memory loss
* Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
* Increased risk of cataracts
* Increased risk of tendon rupture

Precautions and Monitoring

To minimize the risk of side effects, it is essential to:

* Take Lipitor exactly as prescribed by your doctor
* Monitor your liver function and kidney function regularly
* Report any unusual muscle pain or weakness to your doctor
* Avoid taking Lipitor with certain medications, such as cyclosporine or gemfibrozil
* Consult your doctor before taking Lipitor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or muscle disorders

Conclusion

While Lipitor is a widely prescribed and effective medication, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects. By understanding the common and less common side effects, you can take steps to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. If you are taking Lipitor or considering taking it, be sure to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor and follow their guidance.

Highlight

"Lipitor has been associated with an increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis. The risk is highest in patients taking high doses of Lipitor, particularly in combination with other statins or fibrates."

DrugPatentWatch.com

Sources

1. FDA. (2020). Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020634s053lbl.pdf>
2. Lipitor. (n.d.). Package Insert. Pfizer.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) patent expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,453,556>
4. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Lipitor: Side effects. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lipitor-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20065134>
5. MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Lipitor. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698038.html>