Generic brands available in India:
Atorvastatin is manufactured by a number of companies in India. Carefully review and consider all manufactures before making your selection as not all manufacture adhere to the same safety and quality standards. In India Atorvastatin is the generic and therapeutic equivalent for Lipitor and the Generic for Lipitor has been available for years.
Common Uses for Atorvastatin / Lipitor
Atorvastatin / Lipitor in India belongs to a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (aka 'statin') used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood when used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet. Another use of this drug is found in adolescents aged 10-17 years who have genetical cholesterol related problems. While Lipitor is not available in India generics with the same active ingredient have been for some time and similarly to the brand may help control cholesterol, it is not a cure. It could also be used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, chest pain caused by angina or blood vessel blockage in certain patients. Lipitor can help limit hospitalization in patients with congestive heart failure or medical processes to open blocked blood vessels. Your doctor may also decide to use Lipitor in the treatment of other conditions.
Before Using Atorvastatin / Lipitor
Certain medication or medical conditions may interact with Lipitor. Your medical doctor or licensed pharmacist must be aware of all the prescription and over-the-counter medication that you take. Never take Lipitor if you use other medicines containing atorvastatin. Never use Lipitor when taking certain mibefradil, itraconazole, or HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir or indinavir). Before taking Lipitor, inform your doctor or physician if you take any of these medicines. If you use efavirenz, fibrates (such as fenofibrate or gemfibrozil), amiodarone, colchicine, carbamazepine, conivaptan, certain macrolide antibiotics (such as troleandomycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin), cyclosporine, digoxin, diltiazem, high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day), azole antifungals (such as fluconazole), hormonal birth control pills, rifampin, nefazodone, sirolimus, spironolactone, tacrolimus, imatinib, St. John's wort, bosentan, verapamil, dalfopristin, quinupristin or voriconazole you may require additional dose or conditioning monitor. Your doctor should be aware of all your medical ailments like recent stroke, heart disease, muscle problems, allergies, alcohol use, breast-feeding or pregnancy. Side effects like kidney problems can occur if you have certain medical ailments like severe infection; low blood pressure; serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems or uncontrolled seizures while taking Lipitor. Lipitor is not recommended if you have a history of abnormal liver function test results or liver disease.
