LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) Tablets Recall Information
From August 2010 through December 2010, Pfizer recalled specific bottles of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets (40 mg only) due to a small number of reports of an uncharacteristic odor related to the bottles in which LIPITOR is packaged. A medical assessment has determined that the odor is not likely to cause adverse health consequences in patients taking LIPITOR. There is no need to take any action if you take LIPITOR; please continue to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. However, if you take LIPITOR 40 mg and experience an uncharacteristic odor associated with your medication, please return the tablets to your pharmacist.
Pfizer is committed to the safety of patients who take our medicines. We continue to actively monitor and take any action necessary to ensure patient safety and maintain the quality of our products.
If you have any questions about LIPITOR, please contact your doctor or your pharmacist or call 1-888-LIPITOR.
Common Questions
Why were LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets recalled?
Pfizer has recalled specific "lots" or batches of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets (40 mg only) due to a small number of reports of an uncharacteristic odor related to the bottles in which the product is packaged. We have identified the source of the odor, and implemented rigorous measures to prevent odor-related issues going forward.
Where can people go for more information about the recall?
If you have any questions about the recall, please call 1-888-LIPITOR. If you have specific questions about your medication, you may also call your doctor or pharmacist.
I take LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets. What should I do?
Pfizer recalled only specific bottles of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg due to a small number of reports of an uncharacteristic odor and a medical assessment has determined that the odor is not likely to cause adverse health consequences in patients taking LIPITOR. Medication should always be taken as prescribed by a doctor. If you take LIPITOR 40 mg and experience an uncharacteristic odor associated with your medication, please return the tablets to your pharmacist.
If you take LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets and experience an odd smell or odor, what should you do?
Pfizer recalled only specific bottles of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg due to a small number of reports of an uncharacteristic odor and a medical assessment has determined that the odor is not likely to cause adverse health consequences in patients taking LIPITOR. If you take LIPITOR 40 mg and experience an uncharacteristic odor associated with your medication, please return the tablets to your pharmacist. If you have any concerns, call your doctor or pharmacist or call 1-888-LIPITOR if you need any further information.
Is it still safe to take LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets?
Pfizer has recalled only specific bottles of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg due to a small number of reports of an uncharacteristic odor related to the bottles in which LIPITOR is packaged. A medical assessment has determined the odor is not likely to cause adverse health consequences in patients taking LIPITOR.
Will there be a LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg shortage as a result of the recall?
Pfizer has taken a number of steps to ensure that there is no shortage of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg as a result of this recall.
Can I have my LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg replaced if it has an odd smell or odor?
Pfizer has recalled only specific bottles of LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 40 mg. Please speak to your pharmacist about replacement policies.
What are the LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets LOT numbers that are recalled?
INDICATION
LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets are a prescription medicine that is used along with a low-fat diet. It lowers the LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can raise your HDL ("good") cholesterol as well. LIPITOR can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pain in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL, or family history of early heart disease.
LIPITOR can lower the risk for heart attack or stroke in patients with diabetes and risk factors such as diabetic eye or kidney problems, smoking, or high blood pressure.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets are not for everyone, including anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets. It is not for those with liver problems. And it is not for women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant.
If you take LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets, tell your doctor if you feel any new muscle pain or weakness. This could be a sign of rare but serious muscle side effects. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you take. This may help avoid serious drug interactions. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before starting LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets and during your treatment if you have symptoms of liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets.
Common side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Copyright 2006-2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.
LEP486505-01/LEP00059B10