SRMC_Atorvastatin calcium, oral

CARDIAC DRUGS > ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM, ORAL

Used For	This medicine is used to lower cholesterol levels when diet and exercise alone have not lowered them enough. Furthermore, it is used to reduce the risk of heart attack, to prevent stroke and other heart disease and to treat chest pain.
Do’s and Dont’s	Do’s Take this medicine as directed by your doctor for the duration prescribed. Taking it regularly every day would be effective. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine to be taken with this medicine. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly for taking both medicines. This medicine may be taken with or without food (taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach). If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Follow a low-fat diet and a regular exercise program. Take this medicine as per the doctor’s instructions. Dont’s Don’t change your dosage or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's approval. Don’t take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor. Do not drink alcohol, while you are taking this medicine.
Caution	Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems. While you are taking this medicine, report your doctor about any unusual reaction (for instance, muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever or feel ill). Take Tests: You should see your doctor regularly, in order to take blood tests to see if the medicine is working and liver function tests to see how the medicine may be affecting your liver, while you are taking this medicine. Cause Sunburn: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. Avoid long exposure to the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion until you know how you will react to the sun. Don’t use a sunlamp. Contact your doctor immediately, if you get severe sunburn. Stop taking this medicine a few days before surgery or certain other medical procedures and discuss this with your doctor. Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it may harm the baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your health care provider.
Likely Side Effects Your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some of them may be very serious. Some side effects may disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that persist or get worse.	Serious Side Effects (report to your doctor immediately): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, swelling of the lips or face, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing); chest pain; unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or vision changes. Other Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, gas, constipation, rash, itching, headache, dizziness, minor muscle pain, runny nose, fatigue, trouble sleeping.
Likely Drug Interactions When you take this medicine with other medicines, the ways in which the medicines work can change. Also, using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Consult your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines	Take antacids 2 hours apart from doses of this medicine. Birth control pills Cyclosporine Digoxin (Lanoxin) Erythromycin (Erythromycin, E-Mycin) Gemfibrozil (Lopid) Antifungal drugs Nicotinic acid (niacin), nicocin, niacin

Likely Food Interactions	The effects of this medicine may be increased if it is taken with grapefruit juice. Discuss this with your doctor
Other Names For This Medicine	Avastin, Avas, Atorva, Atrolip

Make it a point to tell all doctors treating you about all the medicines you are taking, including non-prescription products, vitamins, and natural remedies.