Lipitor is a prescription medicine that lowers cholesterol in the blood. It lowers the LDL-C (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides in your blood. It can raise your HDL-C (“good” cholesterol) as well. Lipitor is for adults and children over 10 whose cholesterol does not come down enough with exercise and a low-fat diet alone. Lipitor can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pain in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as age, smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL-C, or heart disease in the family. Lipitor can lower the risk for heart attack or stroke in patients with diabetes and risk factors such as eye problems, kidney problems, smoking, or high blood pressure.
However, like many other life saving medications Lipitor has also become another victim of a counterfeiting ring hell-bent on destroying lives. Following the seizure of 73 packs of counterfeit Lipitor, which contained lovastatin as an active ingredient instead of atorvastatin alarm bells were sent ringing.
The counterfeits first came to light in April 2003 as a result of patient complaints that the tablets had a bitter taste and dissolved quickly in the mouth. Pfizer tested the tablets and, although some contained the correct active ingredient, they were found to be counterfeits. Pfizer assisted federal law enforcement in the investigation of five US companies involved in the distribution of the fake tablets. Subsequently the FDA recalled more than 18 million fake and repackaged tablets from the legitimate US supply chain. To put that number in perspective, more than 600,000 U.S. residents, after visiting their local pharmacy or placing an order with their health plan by phone, mail, or the internet, may have received a thirty-day supply of Lipitor® that contained counterfeits. It was the largest recall of counterfeit medicines to date in the US. Just one counterfeit case, but over 18 million Lipitor® tablets affected. In the short time from discovery to recall the fake medicines had spread to 15 US states. These foreign versions of Lipitor were smuggled into the U.S. from South America and re-sold after being re-packaged to conceal the true origin of the drugs. Counterfeit Lipitor also was manufactured in South America and then smuggled into the U.S. where it was co-mingled with the genuine foreign Lipitor and sold in the U.S.
How to Spot Fake Lipitor
To spot the fake version, look for the words “Repackaged by MED-PRO Inc., Lexington, NE 68850” on 90-tablet bottles. A consumer, may not have access to most of the test equipment used by regulatory bodies to verify the identity of a drug product but there are simple guidelines that can help identify a fake Lipitor pill:
Check the Lipitor pill Packaging: This is the simplest and the easiest method to check the authenticity of Lipitor. Check the packaging for details like unusual fonts, print color, and missing logo. Analyze whether it appears the same or different from the one you have used before.
No Breakage in the Seal: A Lipitor packet that comes with a security seal should not be damaged. Look for a crack or breaks in the sealing tape.
Check the Lipitor pill Dosage Form: Look for dissimilarities in physical appearance of the drug like its color, size, uniformity, consistency, shape, etc.
Physical Attributes of tablet: As stated by World Health Organization, the common physical attributes that need to be looked out in medicine tablets are;
- Small pieces of tablets, excessive powder at the bottom of the medicine container, or brittle and crumbly capsule spilling powder.
- Cracks in the tablets or capsule.
- The appearance of crystal on the container walls or on the medicine tablets.
- Softening or hardening of the medicines.
- Swelling, spots or discoloration of the tablets or capsule.
Allergies / Unexpected Side Effects from using Lipitor: Most of the medicines including Lipitor pill have side effects. It is important to consult your doctor before the usage to keep a check on allergies arising from it. If you notice certain unexpected or harmful side effects from your medication, report to your doctor immediately.
Price of Lipitor pill: If the price of a Lipitor pill is suddenly far cheaper than the usual rate, double check the product as there may be a chance that the fake companies wanted to lure customers by providing medicines at much cheaper rates.
Verify Online or SMS: Many countries have unique methods for the verification of the genuineness of pills using authentication code or other online portals to confirm the authenticity of the Lipitor pill being purchased.
General Side Effects You Should Expect From a Genuine or Original Lipitor
A consumer, may not have access to most of the test equipment used by regulatory bodies to verify the identity of a drug product but there are simple guidelines that can help identify a fake Lipitor pill:
Check the Lipitor pill Packaging: This is the simplest and the easiest method to check the authenticity of Lipitor. Check the packaging for details like unusual fonts, print color, and missing logo. Analyze whether it appears the same or different from the one you have used before.
No Breakage in the Seal: A Lipitor packet that comes with a security seal should not be damaged. Look for a crack or breaks in the sealing tape.
Check the Lipitor pill Dosage Form: Look for dissimilarities in physical appearance of the drug like its color, size, uniformity, consistency, shape, etc.
Physical Attributes of tablet: As stated by World Health Organization, the common physical attributes that need to be looked out in medicine tablets are;
- Small pieces of tablets, excessive powder at the bottom of the medicine container, or brittle and crumbly capsule spilling powder.
- Cracks in the tablets or capsule.
- The appearance of crystal on the container walls or on the medicine tablets.
- Softening or hardening of the medicines.
- Swelling, spots or discoloration of the tablets or capsule.
Allergies / Unexpected Side Effects from using Lipitor : Most of the medicines including Lipitor pill have side effects. It is important to consult your doctor before the usage to keep a check on allergies arising from it. If you notice certain unexpected or harmful side effects from your medication, report to your doctor immediately.
Price of Lipitor pill: If the price of a Lipitor pill is suddenly far cheaper than the usual rate, double check the product as there may be a chance that the fake companies wanted to lure customers by providing medicines at much cheaper rates.
Verify Online or SMS: Many countries have unique methods for the verification of the genuineness of pills using authentication code or other online portals to confirm the authenticity of the Lipitor pill being purchased.
General Side Effects You Should Expect From a Genuine or Original Lipitor
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very small number of people taking atorvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. ALSO SEE: How to Spot Fake Cialis Pills
