What is most important to remember? If you have questions: Strong Internal Medicine • Use this medicine as directed by your doctor Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for more information about atorvastatin • It is important to continue taking (Lipitor®) this medicine even if you feel normal. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick

• Do not start any new medicines, over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies without talking to your doctor

• Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists that you are using Strong Internal Medicine atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 601 Elmwood Avenue th • Contact your prescriber right away Ambulatory Care Facility, 5 Floor Rochester, NY 14642 if you have severe muscle pain or Phone: (585) 275 -7424 weakness Atorvastatin Visit our website at: (Lipitor®): • Follow the diet and lifestyle www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/ - genera medicine/patientcare/ Important Patient Information changes that you talked about l- with your doctor in addition to taking your prescribed medicine to get the greatest health benefits

What does atorvastatin (Lipitor®) do? Who should know I am taking atorvastatin (Lipitor®)? What are some things that I need to be aware of when

• It is used to lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL), • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural taking atorvastatin (Lipitor®)? raise the level of good cholesterol (HDL), and lower products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) and • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a “statin” triglycerides (TG) in the body give it to your healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse allergy, are allergic to atorvastatin, or if you are allergic • It is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, chest pain, practitioner, pharmacist, or physician assistant) to any other medicines, foods, or substances and slow the progression of heart disease Are there any interactions with other drugs that I need • Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or to worry about? pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have How should atorvastatin (Lipitor®) be used? active liver disease or a rise in liver enzymes • Use this medicine as directed by your doctor • There are many drug interactions that may increase your risk of side effects • Call your doctor right away if you have very bad muscle • This medicine is taken one (1) time a day, at the same pain or weakness, or if your urine turns a muddy brown time each day • Do not start new prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal and dietary supplements without color • Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an telling your doctor • If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk upset stomach What side effects could occur with atorvastatin with your doctor before taking this medicine What should I do if I forget to take atorvastatin (Lipitor®)? • Avoid or limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and (Lipitor®)? • Upset stomach, loose stools (diarrhea) liquor) to less than 3 drinks per day • If it has been less than 12 hours since your normal • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan dose, take the missed dose as soon as you think about • Joint pain on getting pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. You it • Sore throat should not take this medicine while pregnant or • If it has ben 12 hours or more since the missed dose, • Runny or stuffy nose breastfeeding skip the missed dose • Use a proper birth control method to prevent pregnancy • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses while taking this medicine, since it is harmful in pregnancy • It is important to continue taking this medicine even if If you have any of the following side effects, call your doctor or visit the emergency room you feel normal. Most people with high cholesterol or immediately: triglycerides do not feel sick • Signs of liver problems: dark urine, • Very bad joint pain or swelling feeling tired; not hungry; upset • Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and do not • Any sign of a severe allergic reaction store in the bathroom stomach, light-colored stool, yellowing including: rash; hives; red, swollen, of skin or eyes; throwing up blistered or peeling skin with or • Keep out of the reach of children and pets • Muscle pain or weakness without fever; wheezing; tightness of • Memory problems or loss chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; swelling of face, lips, tongue • A burning, numbness, or tingling or throat feeling