Lipitor is a prescription medicine. Along with diet and exercise, it lowers "bad", cholesterol in your blood. It can also raise "good'' cholesterol? Lipitor can lower the risk of heart attack in patients with several common risk factors, including family history of early heart disease, high blood pressure, age and smoking? WHO IS LIPITOR FOR? Who can take LIPITOR: . . People who cannot lower their cholesterol enough with diet and exercise . Adults and children over l0 Who should NOT take LIPITOR: .Women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or may become pregnant. Lipitor may harm your unborn baby. .Women who are breast-feeding. Lipitor can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. . People with liver problems POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LIPITOR Serious side effects in a small number of people: .Muscle problems that can lead to kidney problems,including kidney failure . Liver problems Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start Lipitor and while you are taking it. Call your doctor right away if you have: .Unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially if you have a fever or feel very tired .Swelling of the face ,lips, tongue, and / or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing .Stomach pain Some common side effects of LIPITOR are: .Muscle pain .Upset stomach .Changes in some blood tests HOW TO TAKE LIPITOR DO: Take Lipitor as prescribed by your doctor. Try to eat heart-healthy foods while you take Lipitor. Take Lipitor at any time of day, with or without food. If you miss a dose , take it as soon as you remember. But if it has been more than 12 hours since your missed dose, wait. Take the next dose at your regular time. Don't: Do not change or stop your dose before talking to your doctor. Do not take new medicines before talking to your doctor.