ATORVASTATIN (Lipitor®) blocks the body's ability to make cholesterol. Atorvastatin can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic atorvastatin tablets are not yet available.

Special precaution

Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol problem

• any hormone disorder (such as diabetes, under-active thyroid)
• blood salt imbalance
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• muscle disorder or condition
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe injury
• an unusual or allergic reaction to atorvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects

Those usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• gas
• headache
• joint pain
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset or pain
• tiredness

Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.