Lipitor is FDA-approved to treat high cholesterol. It lowers LDL cholesterol levels and raises HDL cholesterol levels in the blood, which helps decrease the risk of heart disease and prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Lipitor (atorvastatin) prescription available online
Our doctors are here to help. If you live with high cholesterol or are at risk of heart disease, Lipitor (atorvastatin) can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Lipitor today.*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. Plushcare doctors cannot manage all cases of heart disease. Sometimes, in person and specialist care may be necessary. If that is the case, our doctors will guide you with referrals and resources.
About Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Together with a healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss (if needed), Lipitor helps lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and lower triglyceride levels.
Lipitor is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation, known as atorvastatin.
Lipitor may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Lipitor, be sure to take it daily unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t take your prescription as directed, the statin may not fully treat your high cholesterol.
Lipitor uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Lipitor, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your PlushCare doctor may prescribe Lipitor for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor.
High cholesterol
Risk of cardiovascular disease
Lipitor is FDA-approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor may also prescribe Lipitor to reduce the risk of angina, stroke, or myocardial infection (MI) if you don't have cardiovascular disease but have multiple risk factors.
What are the pros and cons?
Cons
- One
- Two
Lipitor side effects
The side effects associated with taking Lipitor are typically mild. Individuals taking Lipitor tablets report a variety of side effects, and side effects may vary from patient to patient.
The side effects of Lipitor may include:
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects or develop new or concerning symptoms. Lipitor is FDA-approved for use in young children with high cholesterol.
How to take Lipitor
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Lipitor prescription, but generally it is a tablet taken once daily Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Lipitor tablets are available in four strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. The average starting dose for adults is 10–20 mg. How much you take depends in large part on the underlying condition type or severity. Lipitor is usually taken once per day, with or without food.
What to avoid while taking Lipitor
Lipitor has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
Lipitor interactions include:
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Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
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Other cholesterol-lowering medications
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Antacids
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Antibiotic and antifungal medications
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Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, Diltzac, Taztia, Tiazac)
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Drugs that weaken your immune system, such as steroids and cancer medicine
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Gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), and fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide)
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HIV medications
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Medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others)
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Oral contraceptives
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Incivek (telaprevir)
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Warfarin
Because Lipitor can cause birth defects, it's important to tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor before using Lipitor if you have kidney, thyroid, or liver disease or if you consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day. Alcohol consumption while taking Lipitor may increase your risk of liver damage.
What to avoid
Medication alternatives to Lipitor
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another statin or cholesterol-lowering medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
High cholesterol
Cardiovascular disease
Lipitor prescription FAQs
How much does Lipitor cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, brand name Lipitor costs approximately $430 for thirty 10 mg tablets without health insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as atorvastatin, offer a more affordable alternative without any medical downsides.
How can I refill my Lipitor prescription?
To refill your Lipitor prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy. If your doctor needs screening lab work to ensure your treatment is on the right track, they will discuss that process with you.
Who should not take Lipitor?
You should avoid taking Lipitor if you have:
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Liver problems, such as liver disease
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Muscle pain or weakness
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Kidney disease
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Thyroid problems
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Alcohol use disorder
What happens if I miss a dose of Lipitor?
If you miss a dose of Lipitor, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's been more than 12 hours since your missed dose, skip that dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Avoid taking two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Lipitor?
If you've taken too much Lipitor, call your doctor or local poison control center. If you have severe symptoms, such as severe muscle weakness, seek emergency medical help by calling 911.
What is Lipitor used to treat?
Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. It can also help lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and angina in people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
What are the benefits of Lipitor?
Lipitor lowers your levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing the level of HDL cholesterol. This helps lower your risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems.
3 simple steps to request your Lipitor prescription today
Book a Lipitor prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Lipitor prescription.
Pick up your Lipitor prescription, if provided.
Lipitor prescription pricing details
To get a new or refill on your Lipitor prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
30 days of free membership
- Same-day appointments 7 days a week
- Unlimited messages with your Care Team
- Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
- Exclusive discounts on lab tests
- Free memberships for your family
- Cancel anytime
Paying with insurance
Membership
$19.99
First month free
Visits
Copay
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$19.99
First month free
Visits
$129
Visit price without insurance
Lipitor prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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American Heart Association. Types of Heart Medications. Accessed on September 2, 2022. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-medications
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Consumer Reports. Should children take statin drugs to lower their cholesterol? Accessed on September 2, 2022. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/should-children-take-statin-drugs-to-lower-their-cholesterol/index.htm
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Food and Drug Administration. Lipitor prescription label. Accessed on September 2, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020702s056lbl.pdf
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.