Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tips from pharmacists

• Lipitor stays in the body for a long time, so you can take Lipitor at any time of the day, with or without food.

• Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice while on Lipitor or any other statin. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of statin medicine in the body and increase the risk of severe side effects.It is highly recommended that you monitor your blood pressure at home twice a day during the first month of being on lisinopril. This will give your doctor a better idea when adjusting the dose of lisinopril.

• Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these rare but serious side effects—dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes and skin, fever, muscle pain and weakness, tiredness.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in the near future. Lipitor is not safe for use during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects. If you are a woman of child-bearing age, a reliable method of birth control should be used.

• Keep all your doctors’ appointments while taking Lipitor. Your doctor may get some blood tests while you are on Lipitor to see the effects and safety of this medicine on your body.