LIPITOR (Brand for ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM)

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while on this medication.
If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.
Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.
Drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks every day with this medication can increase the risk of side effects.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.
Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 12 hours late. If it is more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.