Lipitor is a prescription cholesterol-lowering medication that reduces the levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is intended for the prevention of heart diseases and hardening of the arteries. Lipitor is usually taken by people who are at risk of having a heart attack, stroke and vascular disease. You must not use this medicine if you are pregnant as Lipitor has been reported to cause severe birth defects (FDA pregnancy category X), and use reliable birth control methods to make sure you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine.

Some of the mild side effects you may experience when taking this medicine include headache, stuffy nose, skin rash, itching and constipation. Before you start taking this medicine tell your health care provider if you have or used to have kidney disease, any muscle disorder, liver disease or underactive thyroid. Do not start taking any new medications without letting your health care provider know about it, as serious drug interactions are possible. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel better and do not stop taking Lipitor unless your health care provider tells you to do so.