Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) is a medication used in conjunction with diet modification to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Lipitor is also used to help prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with multiple risk factors. Although Lipitor may be taken any time of day, side effects may be less intense and you may get better therapeutic benefits when you take the medication at bedtime.
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Lipitor can cause generalized feelings of fatigue and weakness. Taking the medication at bedtime may help with these side effects. Patients taking Lipitor may experience back pain and generalized muscle pain. These symptoms should be reported to a health care provider as they may indicate elevated cardiac and skeletal muscle enzymes. Lipitor increases protein catabolism, the breakdown of protein into smaller parts; prolonged elevated catabolism causes the body to breakdown its own muscle and fat. This process is what causes the elevated muscle enzymes. If left untreated, a condition called rhabdomyolysis will occur, which can result in kidney failure.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
You may experience abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and gas while taking Lipitor. If problems are persistent, you should notify your primary care physician. Because Lipitor is metabolized in the liver, elevation of certain liver enzymes may occur. Patients should have routine liver function tests to monitor for this problem.
Other Side Effects
It is possible for Lipitor to cause a rash in some people. You should report any occurrence to your prescribing physician. Lipitor may cause a headache for some patients, and the drug also may cause some patients to experience sinusitis or pharyngitis.
Allergic Reaction
As most other medications, Lipitor has the capacity to cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms may be mild or severe, as with the life-threatening anaphylactic sensitivity response.
References
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010.
- Lipitor Official Site
