Atorvaliq

Generic name: atorvastatin [ a-TOR-va-sta-tin ]
Brand names: Atorvaliq, Lipitor
Drug class: Statins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 22, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Atorvaliq?

Atorvaliq is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Atorvaliq is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in adults with or without type 2 diabetes or heart disease or other risk factors.

Atorvaliq is also used alone, or along with diet, or with other cholesterol-lowering medications in adults and children aged 10 years and older with an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol.

Atorvaliq may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Atorvaliq side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Atorvaliq can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Muscle problems may be more likely in older adults and those who have kidney problems, thyroid problems, or take certain other medicines.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;

• trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects of Atorvaliq may include:

• pain in your bones, spine, joints, or muscles;

• pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;

• muscle spasms;

• upset stomach;

• trouble sleeping;

• stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat;

• diarrhea, nausea; or

• pain in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take Atorvaliq if you have liver disease or cirrhosis.

Atorvaliq can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Atorvaliq if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver failure or cirrhosis.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• muscle pain or weakness;

• diabetes;

• stroke;

• a thyroid disorder;

• a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day; or

• kidney disease.

Atorvaliq can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Atorvaliq may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Atorvaliq.

How should I take Atorvaliq?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not change your dose or stop taking any of your medications without your doctor's advice.

Atorvaliq is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take Atorvaliq tablet with or without food.

Take Atorvaliq liquid medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Throw away in the trash any unused liquid 60 days after opening the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Atorvaliq?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Atorvaliq will not be as effective.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit may interact with Atorvaliq and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products and drinking more than 1.2 liters of grapefruit juice each day.

What other drugs will affect Atorvaliq?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which can increase risk of serious muscle problems or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Atorvaliq, especially:

• other cholesterol lowering medicine--gemfibrozil, niacin, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, and others;

• colchicine;

• antibiotic or antifungal medicine--rifampin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole;

• birth control pills;

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or

• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Atorvaliq. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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