What is Atorvastatin Calcium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed to find what works best for you.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medicine once per day at any time of day.

HOW TO TAKE ATORVASTATIN TABLETS

• Atorvastatin tablets can be taken with or without food.

• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

• Store atorvastatin tablets at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.

HOW TO TAKE ATORVASTATIN ORAL SUSPENSION

• Atorvastatin oral suspension must be taken on an empty stomach (more than one hour before a meal or more than two hours after a meal).

• Shake the bottle well before measuring out a dose.

• Use a calibrated oral syringe to measure each dose. If one is missing, the pharmacist can provide one.

• After the bottle is opened, keep the medicine for only 60 days. After 60 days, throw out any unused medicine in the bottle.

• Store the oral suspension in the original bottle at room temperature.

Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. 

Do not take 2 doses of this medicine within 12 hours.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not take atorvastatin if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin

• Have active liver disease

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed when taking atorvastatin.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially before a medical or dental procedure.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease

• A history of liver disease

• Diabetes

• An infection

• Low blood pressure

• Muscle pain or weakness

• Seizures

• Thyroid problems

• A recent stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) 

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly (two drinks a day).

This medicine may cause:

• Muscle pain, muscle weakness, or severe muscle damage which can lead to kidney problems, kidney failure, and possibly death

• Liver problems

• Increased blood sugar levels

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking atorvastatin.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

The most serious side effect of atorvastatin is severe and even life-threatening muscle damage. Combining atorvastatin with certain drugs and foods increases the risk of this side effect including:

• HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C medications

• Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and itraconazole

• Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin

• A type of anticholesterol drug called fibrates

• Niacin

• Cyclosporine

• Gemfibrozil

• Colchicine

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Other drugs combined with atorvastatin may also cause problems including:

• Birth control pills

• Blood thinners

• Cimetidine

• Colchicine

• Rifampin

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.