lipitor side effects

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A:There are several and can be easily looked up at the web site for the drug manufacturers. On a practical note.. Lipitor is atorvastatin..all statins can cause liver enzyme elevation and rarely liver injury. Muscle inflammation or myositis is another side effect we watch for very closely As far as todays medicine go...Statins seem to have way more benefits than side effects...the benefits also seem to be beyond merely decreasing cholesterol.. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme), obviously it can cause low blood pressure.. One of the most common sideeffects are a presistant dry cough. In susceptable people it can cause a sever form of allergy called angioedema which could be dangerous.. In people with blockages of the renal arteries it can cause severe renal failure... Again current evidence shows that for diabetics, patients with heart attacks, and Heart failure that this class of medicine may decrease death rate. Some side effects of ACE inhibitors can be overcome by changing to another related class of meicines called ARB's like Diovan.

A:normally if you get started on lipitor (or any other cholesterol medicine) you stay on it unless your diet and exercise get your cholesterol back down. the only serious long term side effect is rhabdomyalgia, which basically is muscle breakdown, which goes to the liver, and damages the liver. you should do routine liver function tests every 6-12 months while on lipitor, also checking cholesterol. rhabdomyalgia is reversible if you catch it soon, and it is easy to know if you get it. if you have sever muscle pain all over your body that is unexplainable, or your urine start to turn a darker color (like the color of Coke), then stop taking lipitor and call your doctor. the chance of this happening is <1% of all people who take lipitor.

A:One of the side effects to lipitor is muscle aches and pains. Your doctor would be checking your blood frequently to be sure there is no muscle or body organ damage. I take mine at night, and by the next day the pain is over with. Talk openly with your doctor about these concerns.

A:Rare cases of muscle inflammation (myositis) and breakdown have been reported with other drugs in this class (HMGCoA reductase antagonists), and it is assumed that this side effect also may occur with atorvastatin. Muscle breakdown causes the release of muscle protein (myoglobin) into the blood and accumulation of the protein in the kidney tubules, resulting in kidney failure. Although there is no cure for myositis, prompt and aggressive treatment to reduce inflammation of PM and DM can help prevent muscle weakness from progressing and might help restore some of your strength. Medications: Corticosteroids (i.e., prednisone) and other drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppresants) may slow down the attack on healthy tissue and improve skin rash. Your doctor will probably repeat blood tests throughout your treatment for myositis to monitor improvement. You may also want to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofin for pain relief. Exercise: After drug treatment takes effect, a program of regular stretching exercises prescribed by your doctor can help maintain range of motion in weakened arms and legs. Physical therapy may also help prevent permanent muscle shortening. You may also want to add whirlpool baths, heat and gentle massage. Rest: Getting enough rest is an important component of managing myositis. Take frequent breaks during the day and limit your activity.