Medication Review: Lipitor

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a drug used to lower blood cholesterol and free floating fats called triglycerides. Lipitor lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL) between 39 and 60 percent, and raises good cholesterol (HDL) by approximately 9 percent. The bad cholesterol is what builds up in your blood vessels to cause plaque buildup and increases your risk of heart attacks. Lipitor helps to reduce this buildup. Lipitor also lowers triglycerides by 19 to 37 percent. Lipitor is prescribed when lifestyle changes alone, doesn't lower your cholesterol levels. It can be prescribed for children as well as adults. Children must be at least 10 years or older, however, it is important to stress that girls must have had their first menses prior to taking it.

Lipitor is taken orally every evening-the drug is most efficient if taken in the evening. You may take it with or without food. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for Lipitor to start working within your body to balance your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is important to keep taking this medication, even when you feel well. Lipitor lowers the LDLs allowing blood to flow easier through the blood vessels. If you were to stop taking the medication, you may start rebuilding plaque.

While taking Lipitor, your doctor or pharmacist may instruct you to avoid grapefruit. Certain drugs interact with grapefruit juice and become more potent in the blood stream. If your doctor doesn't say anything, be sure to read your paperwork that comes with your medication. There may also be a warning on your drug label to avoid grapefruit.