This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used in combination with a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood. It may also be used in certain children and adolescents over 8 years of age who have a genetically caused cholesterol problem. This medicine is not a cure for high cholesterol, but may help to control it. This medicine may also be used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, blood vessel blockage, stroke, or death due to heart disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth with or without food. Try to take this medicine at the same time each day. IF YOU TAKE cholestyramine or colestipol, take them at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking gemfibrozil. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cimetidine, colchicine, daptomycin, darunavir, efavirenz, fibrates (eg, clofibrate, fenofibrate), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), ketoconazole, macrolides (eg, erythromycin, clarithromycin), niacin, or spironolactone. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including low blood pressure; a serious infection; kidney problems; an underactive thyroid; diabetes; muscle pain or tenderness; metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); a certain type of high cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia); allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or if you have a history of alcohol abuse, liver problems, or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have recently had major surgery or a serious injury. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, headache, heartburn, nausea, tiredness, upper respiratory infection, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; flu-like symptoms; memory problems (eg, forgetfulness, memory loss); muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; severe stomach or back pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); shortness of breath; symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; loss of appetite; unusual tiredness); unusual bruising or bleeding; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
FOR BEST RESULTS, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.