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Lipitor
atorvastatin calcium · Tablet, Film Coated
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin Calcium Trihydrate | 10 mg/1 | 259255 | View |
| Atorvastatin Calcium Trihydrate | 20 mg/1 | 259255 | View |
| Atorvastatin Calcium Trihydrate | 40 mg/1 | 259255 | View |
| Atorvastatin Calcium Trihydrate | 80 mg/1 | 259255 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor [EPC] | EPC | All 33 members |
| Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 33 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 020702-001 | LIPITOR | TABLET | ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 020702-002 | LIPITOR | TABLET | ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 020702-003 | LIPITOR | TABLET | ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 020702-004 | LIPITOR | TABLET | ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 81 | Labeling | Approved | April 2, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 79 | Labeling | Approved | December 7, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 77 | Labeling | Approved | November 16, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 78 | Labeling | Approved | September 25, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 74 | Labeling | Approved | November 27, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 73 | Labeling | Approved | April 12, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 71 | Labeling | Approved | August 10, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 69 | Labeling | Approved | June 23, 2017 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 67 | Efficacy | Approved | June 23, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 65 | Labeling | Approved | March 11, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 64 | Labeling | Approved | May 21, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 61 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 30, 2012 | Priority |
| Supplement | 63 | Labeling | Approved | October 31, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 62 | Labeling | Approved | October 31, 2012 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 60 | Labeling | Approved | February 28, 2012 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 56 | Labeling | Approved | June 17, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 57 | Labeling | Approved | March 27, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 50 | Labeling | Approved | September 26, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 47 | Efficacy | Approved | March 2, 2007 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 49 | Labeling | Approved | January 16, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 44 | Labeling | Approved | August 7, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 46 | Labeling | Approved | June 23, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 43 | Labeling | Approved | October 11, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 42 | Efficacy | Approved | September 21, 2005 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 39 | Efficacy | Approved | July 30, 2004 | Standard |
| Supplement | 27 | Labeling | Approved | May 24, 2004 | Standard |
| Supplement | 37 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 29, 2003 | Priority |
| Supplement | 36 | Labeling | Approved | May 12, 2003 | Standard |
| Supplement | 33 | Efficacy | Approved | October 18, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 35 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 2, 2002 | Priority |
| Supplement | 34 | Labeling | Approved | April 22, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Efficacy | Approved | April 22, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 32 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 8, 2002 | Priority |
| Supplement | 31 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 27, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 30 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 27, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 28 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 20, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 25 | Efficacy | Approved | June 8, 2001 | Standard |
| Supplement | 24 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 14, 2000 | Priority |
| Supplement | 22 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 7, 2000 | Priority |
| Supplement | 20 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 22, 1999 | Priority |
| Supplement | 18 | Efficacy | Approved | December 2, 1999 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 1, 1999 | Priority |
| Supplement | 14 | Labeling | Approved | August 28, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 4, 1998 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5 | Efficacy | Approved | July 10, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Efficacy | Approved | July 10, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 25, 1998 | Priority |
| Supplement | 12 | Labeling | Approved | June 3, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 29, 1998 | Priority |
| Supplement | 9 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 23, 1998 | Priority |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 6, 1998 | Priority |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | February 2, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | November 5, 1997 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Labeling | Approved | October 28, 1997 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 18, 1997 | Priority |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | December 17, 1996 | Priority |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · April 3, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · April 3, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · December 15, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · December 9, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · November 18, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · November 16, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · September 29, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · September 28, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · November 29, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · November 29, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · April 22, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · April 15, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · August 20, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · August 13, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · June 27, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 27, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 27, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 27, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · March 17, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · March 13, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · May 28, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · May 22, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · August 6, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · November 5, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 5, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · March 30, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · February 28, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · February 28, 2012
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240415). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LIPITOR is indicated: • To reduce the risk of: o Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) but without clinically evident CHD o MI and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with multiple risk factors for CHD but without clinically evident CHD o Non-fatal MI, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and angina in adults with clinically evident CHD • As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: o Adults with primary hyperlipidemia. o Adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). • As an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies, or alone if such treatments are unavailable, to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). • As an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adults with: o Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia o Hypertriglyceridemia LIPITOR is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated ( 1 ): • To reduce the risk of: o Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) but without clinically evident CHD. o MI and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with multiple risk factors for CHD but without clinically evident CHD. o Non-fatal MI, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and angina in adults with clinically evident CHD. • As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in: o Adults with primary hyperlipidemia. o Adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). • As an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. • As an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adults with: o Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia. o Hypertriglyceridemia.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Take orally once daily with or without food ( 2.1 ). • Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating LIPITOR, and adjust dosage if necessary ( 2.1 ). • Adults ( 2.2 ): o Recommended starting dosage is 10 or 20 mg once daily; dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. o Patients requiring LDL-C reduction >45% may start at 40 mg once daily. • Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years of Age and Older with HeFH: Recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once daily; dosage range is 10 to 20 mg once daily ( 2.3 ). • Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years of Age and Older with HoFH: Recommended starting dosage is 10 to 20 mg once daily; dosage range is 10 to 80 mg once daily ( 2.4 ). • See full prescribing information for LIPITOR dosage modifications due to drug interactions ( 2.5 ). 2.1 Important Dosage Information • Take Lipitor orally once daily at any time of the day, with or without food. • Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating LIPITOR, and adjust the dosage if necessary. • If a dose is missed, advise patients not to take the missed dose and resume with the next scheduled dose. 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients The recommended starting dosage of LIPITOR is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. The dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. Patients who require reduction in LDL-C greater than 45% may be started at 40 mg once daily. 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients 10 Years of Age and Older with HeFH The recommended starting dosage of LIPITOR is 10 mg once daily. The dosage range is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. 2.4 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients 10 Years of Age and Older with HoFH The recommended starting dosage of LIPITOR is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. The dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. 2.5 Dosage Modifications Due to Drug Interactions Concomitant use of LIPITOR with the following drugs requires dosage modification of LIPITOR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Anti-Viral Medications • In patients taking saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir or letermovir, do not exceed LIPITOR 20 mg once daily. • In patients taking nelfinavir, do not exceed LIPITOR 40 mg once daily. Select Azole Antifungals or Macrolide Antibiotics • In patients taking clarithromycin or itraconazole, do not exceed LIPITOR 20 mg once daily. For additional recommendations regarding concomitant use of LIPITOR with other anti-viral medications, azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics, see Drug Interactions (7.1) .
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablets: • 10 mg of atorvastatin: white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “10” on one side and “VLE 155” on the other side • 20 mg of atorvastatin: white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “20” on one side and “VLE 156” on the other side • 40 mg of atorvastatin: white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “40” on one side and “VLE 157” on the other side • 80 mg of atorvastatin: white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “80” on one side and “VLE 158” on the other side Tablets: 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg; 80 mg of atorvastatin ( 3 ).
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any excipients in LIPITOR. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . • Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 ). • Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or any excipient in LIPITOR ( 4 ).
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher LIPITOR dosage. Discontinue LIPITOR if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue LIPITOR in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing LIPITOR dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever ( 2.5 , 5.1 , 7.1 , 8.5 , 8.6 ). • Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): Rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, have been reported with statin use. Discontinue LIPITOR if IMNM is suspected ( 5.2 ). • Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzymes before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue LIPITOR ( 5.3 ). 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis LIPITOR may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase [CK]) and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including LIPITOR. Risk Factors for Myopathy Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher LIPITOR dosage [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ] . Steps to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis LIPITOR exposure may be increased by drug interactions due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4) and/or transporters (e.g., breast cancer resistant protein [BCRP], organic anion-transporting polypeptide [OATP1B1/OATP1B3] and P-glycoprotein [P-gp]), resulting in an increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Concomitant use of cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, tipranavir plus ritonavir, or glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir with LIPITOR is not recommended. LIPITOR dosage modifications are recommended for patients taking certain anti-viral, azole antifungals, or macrolide antibiotic medications [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Cases of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis have been reported with atorvastatin co-administered with lipid modifying doses (>1 gram/day) of niacin, fibrates, colchicine, and ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Consider if the benefit of use of these products outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Concomitant intake of large quantities, more than 1.2 liters daily, of grapefruit juice is not recommended in patients taking LIPITOR [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Discontinue LIPITOR if markedly elevated CK levels occur or if myopathy is either diagnosed or suspected. Muscle symptoms and CK elevations may resolve if LIPITOR is discontinued. Temporarily discontinue LIPITOR in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (e.g., sepsis; shock; severe hypovolemia; major surgery; trauma; severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders; or uncontrolled epilepsy). Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing the LIPITOR dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. 5.2 Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy There have been rare report …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, diarrhea, pain in extremity, and urinary tract infection ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the LIPITOR placebo-controlled clinical trial database of 16,066 patients (8755 LIPITOR vs. 7,311 placebo; age range 10-93 years, 39% female, 91% White, 3% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 4% other) with a median treatment duration of 53 weeks, the most common adverse reactions in patients treated with LIPITOR that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were: myalgia (0.7%), diarrhea (0.5%), nausea (0.4%), alanine aminotransferase increase (0.4%), and hepatic enzyme increase (0.4%). Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% and at a rate greater than placebo in patients treated with LIPITOR (n=8,755), from seventeen placebo-controlled trials. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% in Patients LIPITOR-Treated with any Dose and Greater than Placebo Adverse Reaction % Placebo N=7,311 % 10 mg N=3,908 % 20 mg N=188 % 40 mg N=604 % 80 mg N=4,055 % Any dose N=8,755 Nasopharyngitis 8.2 12.9 5.3 7.0 4.2 8.3 Arthralgia 6.5 8.9 11.7 10.6 4.3 6.9 Diarrhea 6.3 7.3 6.4 14.1 5.2 6.8 Pain in extremity 5.9 8.5 3.7 9.3 3.1 6.0 Urinary tract infection 5.6 6.9 6.4 8.0 4.1 5.7 Dyspepsia 4.3 5.9 3.2 6.0 3.3 4.7 Nausea 3.5 3.7 3.7 7.1 3.8 4.0 Musculoskeletal pain 3.6 5.2 3.2 5.1 2.3 3.8 Muscle spasms 3.0 4.6 4.8 5.1 2.4 3.6 Myalgia 3.1 3.6 5.9 8.4 2.7 3.5 Insomnia 2.9 2.8 1.1 5.3 2.8 3.0 Pharyngolaryngeal pain 2.1 3.9 1.6 2.8 0.7 2.3 Other adverse reactions reported in placebo-controlled trials include: Body as a Whole: malaise, pyrexia Digestive System: abdominal discomfort, eructation, flatulence, hepatitis, cholestasis Musculoskeletal System: musculoskeletal pain, muscle fatigue, neck pain, joint swelling Metabolic and Nutritional System: transaminases increase, liver function test abnormal, blood alkaline phosphatase increase, creatine phosphokinase increase, hyperglycemia Nervous System: nightmare Respiratory System: epistaxis Skin and Appendages: urticaria Special Senses: vision blurred, tinnitus Urogenital System: white blood cells urine positive Elevations in Liver Enzyme Tests Persistent elevations in serum transaminases, defined as more than 3 times the ULN and occurring on 2 or more occasions, occurred in 0.7% of patients who received LIPITOR in clinical trials. The incidence of these abnormalities was 0.2%, 0.2%, 0.6%, and 2.3% for 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg, respectively. One patient in clinical trials developed jaundice. Increases in liver enzyme tests in other patients were not associated with jaundice or other clinical signs or symptoms. Upon dose reduction, drug interruption, or discontinuation, transaminase levels returned to or near pretreatment levels without sequelae. Eighteen of 30 patients with persistent liver enzyme elevations continued treatment with a reduced dose of LIPITOR. Treating to New Targets Study (TNT) In TNT, [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] 10,001 patients (age range 29-78 years, 19% female; 94% White, 3% Black or African American, 1% Asian, 2% other) with clinically evident CHD we …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of LIPITOR with other drugs or grapefruit juice that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis ( 2.5 , 7.1 ). • Rifampin: May reduce atorvastatin plasma concentrations. Administer simultaneously with LIPITOR ( 7.2 ). • Oral Contraceptives: May increase plasma levels of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol; consider this effect when selecting an oral contraceptive ( 7.3 ). • Digoxin: May increase digoxin plasma levels; monitor patients appropriately ( 7.3 ). 7.1 Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with LIPITOR LIPITOR is a substrate of CYP3A4 and transporters (e.g., OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, or BCRP). LIPITOR plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and transporters. Table 2 includes a list of drugs that may increase exposure to LIPITOR and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly and instructions for preventing or managing them [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 2: Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with LIPITOR Cyclosporine or Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of LIPITOR and cyclosporine, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine or gemfibrozil with LIPITOR. Intervention: Concomitant use of cyclosporine or gemfibrozil with LIPITOR is not recommended. Anti-Viral Medications Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of LIPITOR with many anti-viral medications, which are inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or transporters (e.g., BCRP, OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, MRP2, and/or OAT2) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir with LIPITOR. Intervention: • Concomitant use of tipranavir plus ritonavir or glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir with LIPITOR is not recommended. • In patients taking lopinavir plus ritonavir, or simeprevir, consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use with atorvastatin. • In patients taking saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir or letermovir, do not exceed LIPITOR 20 mg. • In patients taking nelfinavir, do not exceed LIPITOR 40 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. • Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir with LIPITOR. • Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Examples: Tipranavir plus ritonavir, glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, simeprevir, saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir, letermovir, nelfinavir, and ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir. Select Azole Antifungals or Macrolide Antibiotics Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of LIPITOR with select azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics, due to inhibition of CYP3A4 and/or transporters [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Intervention: In patients taking clarithromycin or itraconazole, do not exceed LIPITOR 20 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of other azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics with LIPITOR. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Examples: Erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoco …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ). • Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended during treatment with LIPITOR ( 8.2 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue LIPITOR when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. LIPITOR decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, LIPITOR may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hyperlipidemia for most patients. Available data from case series and prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies over decades of use with statins in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies with LIPITOR use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug-associated risk of miscarriage (see Data ) . In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats or rabbits orally administered atorvastatin at doses that resulted in up to 30 and 20 times, respectively, the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 80 mg, based on body surface area (mg/m 2 ). In rats administered atorvastatin during gestation and lactation, decreased postnatal growth and development delay were observed at doses ≥ 6 times the MRHD (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data A Medicaid cohort linkage study of 1,152 statin-exposed pregnant women compared to 886,996 controls did not find a significant teratogenic effect from maternal use of statins in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders – including maternal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use – using propensity score-based methods. The relative risk of congenital malformations between the group with statin use and the group with no statin use in the first trimester was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.37) after controlling for confounders, particularly pre-existing diabetes mellitus. There were also no statistically significant increases in any of the organ-specific malformations assessed after accounting for confounders. In the majority of pregnancies, statin treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. Study limitations include reliance on physician coding to define the presence of a malformation, lack of control for certain confounders such as body mass index, use of prescription dispensing as verification for the use of a statin, and lack of information on non-live births. Animal Data Atorvastatin was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. Atorvastatin was not teratogenic in rats at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day or in rabbits at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day. These doses resulted in multiples of about 30 times (rat) or 20 times (rabbit) the human exposure at the MRHD based on surface area (mg/m2). In rats, the maternally toxic dose of 300 mg/kg resulted in increased post-implantation loss and decreased fetal body weight. At the maternally toxic doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day in rabbits, there was increased post-implantation loss, and at 100 m …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action LIPITOR is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. In animal models, LIPITOR lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver and by increasing the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL; LIPITOR also reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION LIPITOR (atorvastatin) is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Atorvastatin calcium is [R-(R*, R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-ß, δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid, calcium salt (2:1) trihydrate. The empirical formula of atorvastatin calcium is (C 33 H 34 FN 2 O 5 ) 2 Ca•3H 2 O and its molecular weight is 1209.42. Its structural formula is: Atorvastatin calcium is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is insoluble in aqueous solutions of pH 4 and below. Atorvastatin calcium is very slightly soluble in distilled water, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, and acetonitrile; slightly soluble in ethanol; and freely soluble in methanol. LIPITOR tablets for oral use contain atorvastatin 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg (equivalent to 10.36 mg, 20.72 mg, 41.44 mg, or 82.88 mg atorvastatin calcium anhydrous) and the following inactive ingredients: calcium carbonate, USP; candelilla wax, FCC; croscarmellose sodium, NF; hydroxypropyl cellulose, NF; lactose monohydrate, NF; magnesium stearate, NF; microcrystalline cellulose, NF; Opadry White YS-1-7040 (hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide); polysorbate 80, NF; simethicone emulsion. Atorvastatin calcium structural formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE No specific antidotes for LIPITOR are known. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for latest recommendations. Due to extensive drug binding to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is not expected to significantly enhance LIPITOR clearance.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING LIPITOR tablets are supplied as follows: Strength How Supplied NDC Tablet Description 10 mg of atorvastatin bottles of 90 58151-155-77 white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “10” on one side and “VLE 155” on the other side 20 mg of atorvastatin bottles of 90 58151-156-77 white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “20” on one side and “VLE 156” on the other side 40 mg of atorvastatin bottles of 90 58151-157-77 white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “40” on one side and “VLE 157” on the other side 80 mg of atorvastatin bottles of 90 58151-158-77 white, elliptical, film-coated tablets debossed with “80” on one side and “VLE 158” on the other side Storage Store at controlled room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM TRIHYDRATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58151-155-77 | 58151-155 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (58151-155-77) | May 1, 2024 |
| 58151-156-77 | 58151-156 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (58151-156-77) | February 20, 2024 |
| 58151-157-77 | 58151-157 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (58151-157-77) | January 3, 2024 |
| 58151-158-77 | 58151-158 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (58151-158-77) | February 29, 2024 |
| 58151-155 | 58151-155 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | May 1, 2024 |
| 58151-156 | 58151-156 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | February 20, 2024 |
| 58151-157 | 58151-157 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | January 3, 2024 |
| 58151-158 | 58151-158 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | February 29, 2024 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.