Lipvas (atorvastatin) is a generic version of the widely-recognized brand-name Lipitor. A statin medication, Lipvas is used to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while raising levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In other words, it treats high cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes are also typically advised along with this medication; reducing cholesterol and saturated fat intake, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and so forth. Lipvas will still provide some benefit if lifestyle changes are not significant, however, or if such changes don't produce significant results.

Lipvas can be used on its own or along with other cholesterol-reducing medications.

Cholesterol Basics

Cholesterol in the human body is a complex subject. Despite the labels "good" and "bad" cholesterol, both LDL and HDL cholesterol play vital roles in health. Problems only arise when when LDL levels become imbalanced, which is often---but not always---due to poor dietary choices over the long term.

Untreated, high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to serious complications and even death:

• Hardened arteries
• Angina
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Lipvas works by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver, forcing the body to utilize cholesterol in the bloodstream. Eating a low-cholesterol diet is important so the existing cholesterol is reduced, rather than supplying the body with a regular influx of new cholesterol. While LDL cholesterol is important, when levels are high there's no need to be concerned about deficiencies.

Treatment Overview

Lipvas comes in tablets, typically taken once per day. Taking tablets with food is optional; if gastrointestinal side effects are experienced, taking with food may help.

Dosage ranges from 10 to 80 mg, largely dependent on the severity of the condition:

• Most patients start on 10 to 20 mg per day; when levels are very high dosage may start at 40 or more mg per day.
• Lipid levels should be checked after 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment; dosage may be adjusted.
• Levels should be checked again every 2 to 4 weeks until the ideal dosage is found.
• Tablets may be taken at any time of day, but should be taken at the same time each day to keep levels of the drug consistent in the body.

While symptoms such as angina may become less frequent a few weeks after treatment begins, the only way to truly tell if Atorvastatin is working is to have a cholesterol test performed.

Lipvas is typically taken long-term, with treatment spanning years or decades, unless lifestyle changes are sufficient to control cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes can be enough to manage the condition without medication, assuming the patient sticks to them, but are not always enough on their own.

Precautions & Adverse Reactions

Patients with certain preexisting conditions should not take Lipvas without first discussing risks with a doctor:

• History of liver or kidney disease
• History of muscle pain or weakness
• Thyroid disorders

Lipvas is known to interact with many other medications, including birth control pills, antibiotics, antidepressants, steroids, blood pressure medications, and many others. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing other drugs with Lipvas.

When properly used, side effects are typically minimal and not cause for concern unless severe:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Mild muscle pain

Occasionally more rare, but also more serious, side effects develop; discontinue treatment and seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Significant increase or decrease in urination
• Severe stomach or back pain
• Severe muscle pain
• Vision changes
• Symptoms of liver damage (jaundice, clay-colored stools, dark urine, severe itching, etc)

Regular doctor exams will help catch any developing adverse effects before they become severe.