⚕️ Full Prescribing Information

For complete safety information, warnings, and dosage guidelines:

View FDA Label (PDF) →

📋 Overview

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

How It Works

Lipitor works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. This reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol.

✓ FDA Approved Uses

  • Reduce risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Reduce risk for revascularization procedures
  • Treatment of high cholesterol
  • Treatment of high triglycerides

🧪 Required Lab Monitoring

Your healthcare provider will order these tests to monitor your treatment:

Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)
Every 4-12 weeks until target reached, then every 3-12 months
Liver Function Test
Baseline and when clinically indicated

Need to book these tests?

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⚡ Common Side Effects

Contact your doctor if these persist or worsen:

  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Changes in liver function tests

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
  • Liver damage
  • Memory loss or confusion
  • Type 2 diabetes

⚠️ Do Not Use If

  • Active liver disease
  • Unexplained persistent elevations of liver enzymes
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Taking certain antifungal or antibiotic medications

📢 Important Warnings

  • Report unexplained muscle pain immediately
  • Regular liver function monitoring required
  • Avoid grapefruit juice

📚 Sources

Last Reviewed: April 2026