Lipitor
Lipitor
Lipitor is the brand name of a statin called atorvastatin. It works by slowing down the rate your body produces “bad” cholesterol, which lowers your blood cholesterol levels, helping with the symptoms of high cholesterol.
Product details
Atorvastatin is a statin sold under the brand name Lipitor. Statins lower cholesterol and other blood fats, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart problems. Treatment with Atorvastatin is always combined with a healthy, low cholesterol diet.
Patients who have been taking Atorvastatin (Lipitor) for at least three months can use our convenient service for repeat prescriptions. Fill in our brief medical questionnaire when you place your order. One of our doctors will review your order and approve appropriate treatment. Prescription and delivery are included.
Lipitor prices
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 mg - 3 x 28 tablet(s) | £75.00 |
| 10 mg - 6 x 28 tablet(s) | £125.00 |
| 20 mg - 3 x 28 tablet(s) | £120.00 |
| 20 mg - 6 x 28 tablet(s) | £200.00 |
| 40 mg - 3 x 28 tablet(s) | £130.00 |
| 40 mg - 6 x 28 tablet(s) | £210.00 |
Delivery Options
How it Works
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About Lipitor
How does Lipitor work?
The active substance in Lipitor is the statin atorvastatin. Atorvastatin inhibits a particular enzyme involved in the production of “bad” LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol your body produces. The statin also causes your liver to process a larger quantity of cholesterol.
Lipitor is usually prescribed when lifestyle changes have failed to improve cholesterol levels. In addition to taking Lipitor, your GP will advise you to eat a low cholesterol, low fat diet. Follow your GP’s dietary advice carefully to lower your cholesterol and avoid dangerous complications.
Atorvastatin dosage
Your GP will advise you on the exact dosage of Atorvastatin you need to take. Lipitor is prescribed in the following dosages:
- 10mg Atorvastatin
- 20mg Atorvastatin
- 40mg Atorvastatin
- 80mg Atorvastatin
Patients usually begin their treatment with a starting dose of 10mg Atorvastatin. Depending on how effectively lipitor lowers your cholesterol, your GP may need to increase your dosage. The maximum daily dosage is 80mg Atorvastatin. If you reach your cholesterol goal as a result of your therapy with Lipitor as well as lifestyle changes, your GP may recommend that you switch to a lower dosage. It is important that you attend regular check-ups and blood tests with your local GP, so your doctor can make sure your condition remains well controlled.
Do not stop taking Lipitor unless your doctor has told you so. Terminating your treatment will cause your blood cholesterol levels to rise, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
How is Lipitor taken?
You can take Lipitor at any time of the day but you should make sure you take it at the same time every day. Swallow your tablet with a drink of water. You can take the tablets with or without food. If you forget to take a Lipitor tablet just skip the dose you missed and continue your treatment the next day at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the tablet you missed.
Who can not take Lipitor?
Do not take Atorvastatin tablets if you:
- are allergic to atorvastatin or any other ingredient
- are allergic to any medication which is similar to atorvastatin
- have had or have liver disease
- have abnormal blood test results for liver function
- are fertile and not using reliable contraception
- are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you:
- have had a stroke
- have kidney problems
- have an underactive thyroid gland
- suffer from unexplained muscle pains
- have a family history of muscle problems
- have suffered from muscle problems during treatment with a different cholesterol-lowering medication
Lipitor side effects
Atorvastatin can cause side effects in some patients.
Common Lipitor Side Effects:
- increases in blood sugar
- allergic reactions
- headache
- inflammation in the upper airways
- nose bleeds
- nausea
- constipation
- indigestion
- diarrhoea
- muscle, joint and back pain
- changes in your blood test results (with regards to muscle and liver function)
For a full list of all Lipitor side effects, read the patient leaflet supplied with your Lipitor tablets.
Stop taking Lipitor and speak to a doctor if you experience:
- abdominal pain and vomiting
- swellings of the face, tongue or airways
- difficulty breathing
- severe skin rash
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- muscle weakness, tenderness or pain
- high temperature
- wheezing
- drop in blood pressure levels
- liver problems
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about any medication you are currently taking before starting your treatment with Lipitor. Make sure you mention all medications, including non-prescription medication and herbal remedies.
Atorvastatin tablets are known to interact with:
- medications which affect your immune system (for example Ciclosporin)
- certain antibiotics
- certain antifungal medicines
- other medications which lower cholesterol
- calcium channel blockers (used to treat hypertension)
- medicines which regulate your heart rhythm
- some HIV treatments
- the contraceptive pill
- some epilepsy medications
- some medications taken to prevent blood clotting
- antacids
- the herbal remedy St. John’s Wort
Atorvastatin and Grapefruit
Atorvastatin and grapefruit are known to interact. Consuming grapefruit while undergoing treatment with Lipitor can lead to an increase of the drug in your bloodstream.
Atorvastatin and Alcohol
Lipitor does not interact with alcohol, but it is not suitable for patients who regularly drink large quantities of alcohol. This is because excessive alcohol consumption causes damage to your liver. Atorvastatin is not suitable for patients with liver problems. Tell your doctor how much alcohol you drink before you begin taking Lipitor.