How Does Lipitor Work?
What is Lipitor
Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a common drug used to treat those with high cholesterol. Lipitor works by blocking the fatty cholesterol in the blood. More specifically, lipitor works to lower the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood stream. Lowering these cholesterol levels can help protect against heart disease, heart attack, vascular diseases, and strokes.
How it works
Lipitor is classified as a statin. A statin is a substance that works in the liver to block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for creating LDL cholesterol in the body. Once this cholesterol has been released from the liver it can get trapped on the cell walls of the arteries. As the deposits grow, they trap more and more cholesterol in the artery until the artery is blocked. Lipitor reduces the amount of LDL formed by limiting the amount of enzymes that create cholesterol. The less cholesterol released into the blood stream, the smaller the chance of a blocked artery.
Potential side effects
You should not take lipitor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, an under-active thyroid or kidney disease. Those who are pregnant should not take lipitor as it may cause damage to the developing fetus. Lipitor may also reduce the effects of birth control, as such other methods of birth control may need to be used such as condoms or other non-hormone related methods. When combined with alcohol, lipitor may increase the risk of serious liver damage.
Some users may experience any of the following mild side effects such as: nausea, stomach pain, constipation, bloating, gas, skin rash or muscle pain. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling, or any sort of rash after taking lipitor, seek medical attention immediately as this may be a sign of an allergic reaction to the medication.
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