Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tablet Chemical Name: ATORVASTATIN ( a-TORE-va-sta-tin) Possible Uses of This Medication This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. More info... Before using 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. More info... How to take this medication Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. More info... Cautions FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS before the full benefits of this medicine takes effect. More info... Possible side effects SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. More info... Drug interactions Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a prescription. Missed Dose IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. More info... Storage Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. More info... Other Information Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medicine. More info...