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| Generic Lipitor |
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 Atorvastatin Drug information
Generic Name: atorvastatin (a TORE va sta tin)
Brand Names: Lipitor
What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin?
Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of atorvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
- Do not take atorvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
- Alcohol and atorvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
- Do not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What is atorvastatin?
- Atorvastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Atorvastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.
- Atorvastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. Atorvastatin is also used to increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
- Atorvastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin?
Do not take atorvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
Before taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor if you
- drink alcoholic beverages,
- have a chronic muscular disease,
- require major surgery, or
- have a blood disorder.
You may not be able to take atorvastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Atorvastatin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that atorvastatin is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether atorvastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take atorvastatin?
- Take atorvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Atorvastatin can be taken with or without food.
- Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with atorvastatin, at twelve weeks after both the start of your treatment and any increase in dose, and periodically (every 6 months) thereafter. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To realize beneficial effects from atorvastatin, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods.
- It is important to take atorvastatin regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking atorvastatin without first talking to your doctor. Atorvastatin may need to be taken on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with atorvastatin to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store atorvastatin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- The symptoms of an atorvastatin overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin?
- Alcohol and atorvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?
Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of atorvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atorvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
- blurred vision.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take atorvastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache;
- upset stomach or flatulence; or
- a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect atorvastatin?
Do not take atorvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
- hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or implants); or
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
You may not be able to take atorvastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with atorvastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. |
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| Pravachol |
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 Pravachol
This page contains drug information on Pravachol.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Pravachol
the possible side effects of Pravachol
what happens if you miss a dose of Pravachol
what happens if you overdose with Pravachol
the most important information about Pravachol
how to use Pravachol
other drugs that may affect Pravachol
what to avoid while using Pravachol
Generic Name: pravastatin (PRAH vah stah tin)
Brand Names: Pravachol
What is the most important information I should know about pravastatin?
- Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of pravastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
- Do not take pravastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
- Alcohol and pravastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
- Do not take pravastatin if you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What is pravastatin?
- Pravastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Pravastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.
- Pravastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
- Pravastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pravastatin?
- Do not take pravastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
- Before taking pravastatin, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease,
- drink alcoholic beverages,
- have a chronic muscular disease, or
- have a blood disorder.
- Your may not be able to take pravastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Pravastatin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that pravastatin is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take pravastatin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Pravastatin passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take pravastatin if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take pravastatin?
- Take pravastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- For the greatest effect, pravastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. It may also be taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with pravastatin and at twelve weeks after both the start of your treatment and any increase in dose. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.
- Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To see beneficial effects from pravastatin, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods.
- It is important to take pravastatin regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking pravastatin without first talking to your doctor. Pravastatin may need to be taken on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with pravastatin to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store pravastatin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a pravastatin overdose include nausea, diarrhea, stomach distress, and indigestion.
What should I avoid while taking pravastatin?
- Alcohol and pravastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
What are the possible side effects of pravastatin?
Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of pravastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pravastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
- blurred vision.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take pravastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea;
- a cough;
- headache; or
- insomnia.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect pravastatin?
- Do not take pravastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); or
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid).
- You may not be able to take pravastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pravastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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| Zocor |
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 Zocor
This page contains drug information on Zocor.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Zocor
the possible side effects of Zocor
what happens if you miss a dose of Zocor
what happens if you overdose with Zocor
the most important information about Zocor
how to use Zocor
other drugs that may affect Zocor
what to avoid while using Zocor
Generic Name: simvastatin (SIM va stah tin)
Brand Names: Zocor
What is the most important information I should know about simvastatin?
- Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of simvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
- Do not take simvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
- Alcohol and simvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
- Do not take simvastatin if you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What is simvastatin?
- Simvastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Simvastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.
- Simvastatin is used to reduce the total amounts of cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. Simvastatin (Zocor) is also used to increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. These actions may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
- Simvastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking simvastatin?
Do not take simvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.
Before taking simvastatin, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease,
- drink alcoholic beverages,
- have a chronic muscular disease, or
- have a blood disorder.
You may not be able to take simvastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Simvastatin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that simvastatin is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take simvastatin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether simvastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take simvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take simvastatin?
- Take simvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- For the greatest effect, simvastatin is usually taken at bedtime or with an evening meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with simvastatin and every six months after both the start of your treatment and any increase in dose. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To realize beneficial effects from simvastatin, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods.
- It is important to take simvastatin regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking simvastatin without first talking to your doctor. Simvastatin may need to be taken on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with simvastatin to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store simvastatin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a simvastatin overdose include nausea, diarrhea, stomach distress, and indigestion.
What should I avoid while taking simvastatin?
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Alcohol and simvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor so that the potential for liver problems can be determined.
What are the possible side effects of simvastatin?
Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of simvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking simvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
- blurred vision.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take simvastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- gas, bloating, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea;
- cough;
- headache; or
- insomnia.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect simvastatin?
Do not take simvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- nefazodone (Serzone);
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- a protease inhibitor such as amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir-ritonavir (Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase);
- amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacer one); or
- verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Verelan).
You may not be able to take simvastatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with simvastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. |
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