What is Lipitor, and what does it do in the body?
Lipitor is the brand name for atorvastatin, a medicine that lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” in the blood.[1] It also reduces total cholesterol and triglycerides, and can modestly raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (“good cholesterol”).[1]
How does Lipitor lower cholesterol?
Lipitor works by blocking an enzyme in the liver involved in cholesterol production. This shifts the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, which lowers blood LDL levels over time.[1]
Why do doctors prescribe Lipitor?
Clinicians commonly use Lipitor to:
- Lower LDL cholesterol to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in people at higher cardiovascular risk.[1]
- Treat high cholesterol (including certain inherited forms) when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.[1]
What should people expect while taking it?
LDL cholesterol levels typically start to fall after starting therapy, with the medication’s cholesterol-lowering effect developing over weeks as dosing continues.[1]
What’s next if you’re asking because you’re worried about side effects?
If you want, tell me what concerns you have (muscle pain, liver tests, interactions, pregnancy, etc.), and I can explain what to look for and what questions to ask your clinician.
Source
- DrugPatentWatch.com — Lipitor (atorvastatin)