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Lipitor, a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Here are some steps that can be taken to manage Lipitor-related GI discomfort:

1. Take Lipitor with food: Taking Lipitor with a meal can help reduce GI side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea [1].

2. Gradually increase the dosage: If you are just starting to take Lipitor, it may help to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. This can help your body adjust to the medication and reduce the likelihood of GI side effects [1].

3. Take Lipitor at bedtime: Taking Lipitor at bedtime can help reduce GI side effects by allowing the medication to be absorbed more slowly [1].

4. Consider a different statin medication: If you continue to experience significant GI discomfort despite trying the above steps, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying a different statin medication. There are several other statin medications available that may cause fewer GI side effects [1].

5. Manage GI side effects with over-the-counter medications: If you experience mild GI side effects such as nausea or diarrhea, over-the-counter medications such as antacids or anti-diarrheal medications may help [1].

It is important to note that while Lipitor can cause GI side effects, these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own over time. However, if you experience severe or persistent GI side effects, you should talk to your doctor [1].

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor side effects. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>