ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM (Generic for LIPITOR)

Atorvastatin Calcium 40mg, Oral tablet

Grapefruit juice

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Side effects from Atorvastatin may get worse if you drink grapefruit juice. Do not take Atorvastatin with grapefruit juice. Discuss with your health care provider why Atorvastatin and grapefruit juice should not be taken together. Orange juice is safe to drink with Atorvastatin. Contact your prescriber immediately if you experience unexplained muscle aches, muscle pain or tenderness, general weakness or fatigue, side or back pain, or decreased urination while taking Atorvastatin.

· Notes for Professionals: Avoid grapefruit juice quantities greater than 1.2 L daily in patients taking atorvastatin to avoid the potential for drug accumulation and toxicity (i.e., myopathy and rhabdomyolysis), Grapefruit juice contains a compound that inhibits the CYP3A4 isozyme in the gut wall. In one pharmacokinetic study, coadministration of 240 mL grapefruit juice once daily with a single 40 mg dose of atorvastatin resulted in a 37% increase in the AUC and a 16% increase in Cmax of atorvastatin. Excessive consumption of grapefruit juice (i.e., 750 mL to 1.2 L/day) has been reported to result in an up to 2.5-fold increase in AUC and/or a 71% increase in Cmax of atorvastatin.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>