LIPITOR Side Effects
With more than 15 years of research, LIPITOR has been studied in more
than 400 ongoing and completed studies involving over 80,000
patients.1 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:
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About all medicines you take, including prescription and
nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
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If you have muscle aches or weakness
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If you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol daily
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If you have diabetes or kidney problems
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If you have a thyroid problem
Common Side Effects
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Headache
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Gas
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Upset stomach and stomach pain
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Rash
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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
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Have nausea and vomiting
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Pass brown or dark-colored urine
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Feel more tired than usual
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Notice the skin and whites of your eyes become yellow
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Have stomach pain
