Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor

This medicine is used to lower cholesterol levels when diet and exercise have not been effective.

Proper Use:

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor for the length of time prescribed. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) can be taken as a single dose at any time of the day with or without food. Lovastatin (Mevacor) can be taken with the evening meal to increase its absorption. Pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), and sirnvastatin (Zocor) can be taken at bedtime with or without food. You must take this medicine regularly every day for it to be effective. Follow any diet your doctor recommends to help lower your cholesterol.

Please Note: While you are taking this medicine, report any unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel ill. Your doctor will want to see you regularly while you are taking this medicine. You will need blood tests to show if the medicine is working. Keep all your appointments. This medicine may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen lotions if you are outdoors. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take double doses.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or nursing because it may harm the baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine stop taking it and contact your doctor right away.

Possible Side Effects:

Serious (report these to your doctor right away): Unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially when accompanied by fever or vision changes.

Other: Nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, rash, itching, headache, dizziness, fatigue. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible Drug Interactions:

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it may increase or decrease the effects of the medicines. Or the combination may cause harmful side effects. Some medicines that may interact with this medicine are:

• Antacids (with Lipitor)
• Alcohol (with Lescol
• Birth control pills (with Lipitor)
• Questran (cholestyramine)
• Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
• Lanoxin (digoxin)
• Erythromycin
• Gembribrozil
• Sporanox
• Niacin
• Inderal
• Rifampin (with Lescol)
• Coumadin (warfarin)

Be sure that you tell all doctors who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products, herbal preparations and vitamins. This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Return to List