Lipitor (generic name: atorvastatin; brand names include: Atorbest / Agitor / Attor/ Atorlip / Lipvas / Sortis / Torvast / Torvacard / Totalip / Tulip) is used to lower cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood and may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol such as heart disease.

When taken together with a low-fat diet, Lipitor can effectively reduce LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as the bad cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and total cholesterol, while increasing the HDL, or good cholesterol. Lipitor is clinically proven to lower bad cholesterol 76 to 115 points, that is 39%-60%.

It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body. Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood vessels decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Lowering blood levels of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina, strokes, and heart attacks.

Lipitor is one of the most prescribed branded medication in the world. Over 29 million people in the United States have been prescribed Lipitor. It is also one of the most widely studied medicines in the world with more than 15 years of research.

Lipitor is FDA-approved to significantly reduce the risk of:

Heart attack
Stroke
Certain kinds of heart surgeries
Chest pain
if you have several common risk factors, including high blood pressure, low HDL ("good" cholesterol), family history, smoking, and age.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take the medicine orally as directed.

Lipitor is taken once a day. It can be taken with or without food, day or night. The tablet may be crushed or split. Swallow Lipitor with a glass of water or other liquid.

Generally the full effect will take 2 to 4 weeks, as long as you continue to take the medication as prescribed on a daily basis.

Remember to take Lipitor every day. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you can. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Continue your diet and exercise plan.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have active liver disease;
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: atorvastatin.