Atorvastatin is a commonly prescribed medication that lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people take it without serious problems, but it can cause side effects.
Common side effects
These are usually mild and may improve as your body adjusts:
- Muscle aches, soreness, or stiffness
- Joint pain
- Mild headache
- Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
- Fatigue
Less common but important side effects
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or dark-colored urine (this can rarely indicate serious muscle injury).
- Signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, or persistent upper right abdominal pain.
- Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing (seek emergency care).
Other considerations
- Atorvastatin can slightly increase blood sugar levels in some people, but for most people at risk of cardiovascular disease, the benefits outweigh this small risk.
- Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice may increase atorvastatin levels in the body and raise the risk of side effects.
- Some medications can interact with atorvastatin, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you take.
