With more than 15 years of research, LIPITOR has been studied in more than 400 ongoing and completed studies involving over 80,000 patients. It is generally well tolerated. LIPITOR can be taken at any time of day with or without food. Side effects are usually mild and may go away.

Before You Start LIPITOR

Always talk to your doctor before starting or changing treatment. Ask your doctor what to expect when taking LIPITOR. Before starting LIPITOR, tell your doctor:

• About all medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
• If you have muscle aches or weakness
• If you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol daily
• If you have diabetes or kidney problems
• If you have a thyroid problem

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Upset stomach and stomach pain
• Rash
• Muscle and joint pain

Serious Side Effects

LIPITOR can cause serious side effects. These side effects have happened only to a small number of people. Your doctor can monitor you for them. These side effects usually go away if your dose is lowered or LIPITOR is stopped. These serious side effects include:

• Muscle problems. LIPITOR can cause serious muscle problems that can lead to kidney problems, including kidney failure. You have a higher chance for muscle problems if you are taking certain other medicines with LIPITOR.
• Liver problems. LIPITOR can cause liver problems. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking LIPITOR, and while you take it.

Call your doctor right away if you:

• Have muscle problems like weakness, tenderness, or pain that happen without a good reason, especially if you also have a fever or feel more tired than usual
• Have nausea and vomiting
• Pass brown or dark-colored urine
• Feel more tired than usual
• Notice the skin and whites of your eyes become yellow
• Have stomach pain

Who Should NOT Take LIPITOR

• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant, or may become pregnant. LIPITOR may harm your unborn baby. If you get pregnant, stop taking LIPITOR and call your doctor right away
• Women who are breastfeeding. LIPITOR can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby
• People with liver problems
• People allergic to LIPITOR or any of its ingredients

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