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Which Pain Relievers are Safe with Lipitor?

As one of the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a staple in many people's medication routines. However, when taking Lipitor, it's essential to be mindful of potential interactions with other medications, including pain relievers. In this article, we'll explore which pain relievers are safe to take with Lipitor and which ones to avoid.

Understanding Lipitor and its Interactions

Lipitor is a statin, a class of medications that work by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. While it's generally well-tolerated, Lipitor can interact with other medications, including pain relievers, which can increase the risk of side effects or reduce its effectiveness.

Pain Relievers that are Safe with Lipitor

Not all pain relievers are created equal when it comes to interacting with Lipitor. Here are some pain relievers that are generally considered safe to take with Lipitor:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever that is often used to treat headaches, fever, and minor aches and pains. According to the Lipitor prescribing information, acetaminophen is not expected to interact with Lipitor.

Aspirin

Aspirin is another pain reliever that is often used to treat headaches, muscle and joint pain, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. While aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, the risk is generally considered low and manageable.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The Lipitor prescribing information notes that ibuprofen may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, but the risk is generally considered low.

Naproxen (Aleve)

Naproxen is another NSAID that is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Like ibuprofen, naproxen may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, but the risk is generally considered low.

Pain Relievers to Avoid with Lipitor

While the pain relievers listed above are generally considered safe to take with Lipitor, there are some that you should avoid or use with caution:

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor that is used to treat pain, inflammation, and arthritis. The Lipitor prescribing information notes that celecoxib may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, and the risk is generally considered higher than with ibuprofen or naproxen.

Diclofenac (Voltaren)

Diclofenac is another NSAID that is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The Lipitor prescribing information notes that diclofenac may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, and the risk is generally considered higher than with ibuprofen or naproxen.

Meloxicam (Mobic)

Meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor that is used to treat pain, inflammation, and arthritis. The Lipitor prescribing information notes that meloxicam may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, and the risk is generally considered higher than with ibuprofen or naproxen.

What to Do if You're Taking Lipitor and Need a Pain Reliever

If you're taking Lipitor and need a pain reliever, it's essential to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. They can help you determine which pain reliever is safe to take with Lipitor and at what dose.

Key Takeaways

* Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including pain relievers, while taking Lipitor.
* Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are generally considered safe to take with Lipitor.
* Celecoxib, diclofenac, and meloxicam may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor and should be used with caution or avoided.
* Always follow the recommended dose and instructions for any medication you're taking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take any pain reliever with Lipitor?

A: No, not all pain relievers are safe to take with Lipitor. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Q: Is acetaminophen safe to take with Lipitor?

A: Yes, acetaminophen is generally considered safe to take with Lipitor.

Q: Can I take ibuprofen with Lipitor?

A: Yes, ibuprofen is generally considered safe to take with Lipitor, but the risk of bleeding may be increased.

Q: Can I take naproxen with Lipitor?

A: Yes, naproxen is generally considered safe to take with Lipitor, but the risk of bleeding may be increased.

Q: Can I take celecoxib with Lipitor?

A: No, celecoxib may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor and should be used with caution or avoided.

Sources

1. Lipitor Prescribing Information. Pfizer.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. "Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Patent Expiration".
3. MedlinePlus. "Lipitor (Atorvastatin) - Side Effects and Interactions".
4. Mayo Clinic. "Lipitor (Atorvastatin) - Uses, Side Effects, and Interactions".
5. WebMD. "Lipitor (Atorvastatin) - Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage".