What is Lipitor?
Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to the class of medications known as statins, making it a lipid-altering drug. It is used in conjunction with an appropriate diet to lower levels of cholesterol produced by the liver. It lowers “bad” cholesterol and fats such as LDL and triglycerides (TG) and raises “good” cholesterol like HDL. By controlling lipid levels, Lipitor reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults
Lipitor is indicated for individuals at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) due to factors such as:
- Age (men 45 years or older, women 55 years or older or postmenopausal)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure,
- Smoking
- Low HDL cholesterol (< 40 mg/dl)
- Family history of premature heart disease (before age 55 in men, 65 in women)
In appropriate patients, atorvastatin may help reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events when used as part of a treatment plan that includes diet, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing medical care.
Additionally, Lipitor can be used in individuals who have type 2 diabetes and risk factors for coronary heart disease like retinopathy, smoking, hypertension, or albuminuria. For these patients, Lipitor can:
- Decrease the risk of MI
- Decrease the risk of stroke
In adult patients that have existing coronary heart disease, Lipitor can also:
- Decrease the risk of non-fatal MI
- Decrease the risk of fatal and non-fatal stroke
- Decrease the risk of revascularization procedures
- Decrease the risk of CHF hospitalization
- Decrease the risk of angina
Hyperlipidemia
Lipitor can be used:
- As an adjunct to diet to decrease high levels of total cholesterol, LDL, apo B, and TG and elevate levels of HDL in individuals with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia
- As an adjunct to diet to treat individuals with increased levels of TGs
- Treat individuals with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia that are not responsive to adequate diet
- Decrease total cholesterol and LDL in individuals with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in conjunction with other lipid-lowering treatments
- As an adjunct to diet to decrease levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and apo B in children aged 10-17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) on an adequate diet and who have an:
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LDL of at least 190 mg/dL, or
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LDL of at least 160 mg/dL and a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, or more than two cardiovascular risk factors are present.
-
How does Lipitor work?
Lipitor competitively blocks HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. In animal models, Lipitor has been shown to decrease levels of cholesterol and lipoprotein through:
- Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol production by the liver
- Raising the number of LDL receptors in the liver, thus increasing LDL uptake and catabolism
- Decreasing LDL production and the amount of LDL particles
Side Effects
Lipitor can cause some side effects with the most common ones including:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mild muscle pain
- Changes to blood test labs
Warnings & Precautions
Rhabdomyolysis and Myopathy
Lipitor can cause muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness with elevated creatine kinase (CK) and rhabdomyolysis. In rare cases, fatality has occurred from statin-induced rhabdomyolysis. Patients are at greater risk for developing myopathy if they are 65 years of age or older, have uncontrolled hypothyroidism, have renal impairment, are on other drugs with myopathy risk, or are on high doses of Lipitor. Patients should be counseled on symptoms, including muscle pain or weakness, malaise, or fever.
Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy
An autoimmune myopathy known as immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) has occurred in patients using statins. IMNM includes symptoms such as muscle weakness, increased serum CK, positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody, and necrotizing antibody. If IMNM occurs, patients should be treated with immunosuppressive agents.
Liver Dysfunction
Statins have been shown to increase levels of serum transaminases over 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Therefore, Lipitor should be used with caution in individuals who are heavy alcohol drinkers and/or who have liver disease.
Endocrine Function
Statins can affect the synthesis of cholesterol and therefore may slow adrenal and/or gonadal steroid production. Lipitor should be used with caution in those who have low levels of endogenous steroid hormone, like ketoconazole or cimetidine.
Drug Interactions
Cyclosporine or Gemfibrozil
Cyclosporine and gemfibrozil used concomitantly with Lipitor can increase one’s risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, cyclosporine and gemfibrozil should not be taken if also on Lipitor.
Antiviral Medications
Many antiviral medications are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 and transporters. Therefore, concomitant use of antiviral medications and statins has been shown to increase statin plasma concentrations. This can put an individual at risk for rhabdomyolysis and myopathy. Providers and patients should proceed with caution when taking certain antiviral medications along with Lipitor.
Certain Azole Antifungals and Macrolide Antibiotics
Certain azole antifungals and macrolide antibiotics inhibit CYP3A4 and transporters. If on itraconazole and clarithromycin, patients should not exceed more than 20 mg of Lipitor daily. Providers should take into account the risk and benefits of proceeding with simultaneous use of other azole antifungals and macrolide antibiotics with Lipitor. Additionally, patients should be monitored for myopathy symptoms.
Niacin
Concomitant use of niacin and statins has been shown to cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If simultaneous use is necessary, patients should be monitored for symptoms of myopathy throughout the course of therapy.
Fibrates (besides Gemfibrozil)
Fibrates alone carry the risk of myopathy. Therefore, there is an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis and myopathy when fibrates are used with Lipitor. If used together, patients should be monitored for signs of myopathy.
Colchicine
The use of colchicine and Lipitor together has been shown to cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If used together, patients should be monitored for signs of myopathy.
Grapefruit Juice
Excessive intake of grapefruit juice (greater than 1.2 liters per day) can cause increased concentrations of Lipitor in the blood. This can increase an individual’s risk of developing rhabdomyolysis and myopathy. Patients should avoid excessive intake (more than 1 quart per day) of grapefruit juice when taking Lipitor. Some patients may need to avoid it altogether.
Rifampin
Rifampin is an inducer of CYP3A4 and inhibitor of OATP1B1. When taken with Lipitor, rifampin can cause decreased levels of atorvastatin in the plasma. Separated administration of rifampin and Lipitor can cause significant decreases in atorvastatin plasma concentrations. Therefore, if taking rifampin, Lipitor and rifampin should be given at the same time.
Oral Contraceptives
Lipitor has been shown to elevate norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol concentrations in the plasma when taken concomitantly. This interaction should be considered when picking a patient’s mode of contraception.
Digoxin
When used concomitantly, Lipitor can increase concentrations of digoxin. Therefore, patients should be monitored if on both.
Cost & Ordering Information
Buy Prescription Lipitor Through Buy Canadian Insulin
Buy Canadian Insulin helps patients access prescription Lipitor (atorvastatin) and other cholesterol management medications through participating pharmacy partners.
Patients prescribed Lipitor for cholesterol management, cardiovascular risk reduction, or other approved uses may explore available prescription options through participating pharmacy partners.
Pricing may vary depending on tablet strength, quantity selected, supplier availability, and participating pharmacy partner pricing policies.
Some patients may find pricing through participating pharmacy partners that differs from certain U.S. retail pharmacy prices.
Available services may include:
- Multiple tablet strengths based on prescription requirements
- Pricing options based on quantity selected
- Prescription processing through participating pharmacy partners
- Shipping options available across eligible U.S. delivery locations
- Ordering assistance through phone, email, or live chat
- Multiple quantity options depending on prescription authorization and supplier availability
Prescription medications require review and approval by a licensed healthcare professional and pharmacist before dispensing, where applicable.
Prescription Requirements
Lipitor requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Patients must provide a valid prescription before an order can be processed through participating pharmacy partners.
Patients with questions regarding atorvastatin therapy, medication storage, potential side effects, or prescription requirements may be able to consult with a licensed pharmacist through participating pharmacy partners when available.
Shipping Information
Shipping timelines may vary depending on prescription review requirements, product availability, destination location, and carrier services.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling and shipping procedures.
Tracking information may be available when provided by the carrier.
Pharmacy Fulfillment Information
Some prescription orders may be fulfilled through licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.
Product availability, fulfillment location, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary.
Prescription medications are sourced through licensed pharmacy partners and dispensed in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Prescription Medication Discounts
Eligible first-time customers may use coupon code FIRST10 during checkout for qualifying orders, subject to current promotional terms and conditions.
Promotional offers may change without notice and may not be combined with other discounts unless otherwise stated.
Ordering Information
Have a prescription?
Patients may explore available prescription options through participating pharmacy partners.
Available ordering features may include:
- Pricing options based on quantity selected
- Multiple quantity options depending on prescription details
- Shipping options with tracking availability when provided by the carrier
- Customer support assistance through phone, email, or live chat
- Online and phone ordering availability
To submit a prescription, patients may:
- Upload a prescription during checkout
- Email a prescription to info@buycanadianinsulin.com
- Fax a prescription to 1-888-234-1275
Prescription orders cannot be processed until all required documentation has been received and reviewed.
Customer Support & Business Information
For questions regarding prescription processing, product availability, shipping timelines, account support, or ordering assistance, contact Buy Canadian Insulin customer support:
Phone: 1-888-525-1815
Fax: 1-888-234-1275
Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com
Customer Support Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am – 10pm CST
Saturday-Sunday: 9am – 5pm CST
Business Address:
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Canada
About Buy Canadian Insulin Services
Buy Canadian Insulin works with participating pharmacy partners to help patients access prescription medications and healthcare products.
Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary depending on supplier inventory, participating pharmacy partner availability, prescription requirements, and destination location.
Some prescription orders may be fulfilled through licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling and shipping procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
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