Lipitor Precautions and Warnings (Cont.)

• There are certain other medications with which Lipitor can interact (see Lipitor Drug Interactions).
   
• If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting Lipitor. Alcohol can affect the way the liver works, indirectly affecting the Lipitor.

• Do not eat grapefruit, drink grapefruit juice, or take supplements containing grapefruit while taking Lipitor (see Lipitor and Grapefruit).

• Statins have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, doctors typically recommend that you have a blood test that assesses your liver function before starting Lipitor and 12 weeks after treatment has started.
   
• Rhabdomyolysis (the severe breakdown of muscles) has rarely been reported with Lipitor and other statins. You are at greater risk for developing muscle problems with Lipitor (such as rhabdomyolysis) if you:

o Have kidney damage

o Are elderly

o Are not being properly treated for hypothyroidism

o Are taking certain medications, such as fibrates (Lopid^®), niacin, cyclosporine, erythromycin, or antifungal medicines.

Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially if it is accompanied by a fever or if you feel ill.

• Lipitor is a pregnancy Category X medicine, meaning that Lipitor could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. Therefore, doctors do not recommend Lipitor for women who are pregnant. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider immediately (see Lipitor and Pregnancy).

• If you are nursing, you should not take Lipitor. Therefore, if you are taking Lipitor, discuss with your healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or discontinue Lipitor use.