Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people take it without serious side effects, and its benefits usually outweigh its risks for those who have been prescribed it.
Here are 15 possible side effects to be aware of:
- Muscle aches or soreness (one of the more common side effects)
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Fatigue
- Mild elevations in liver enzymes (usually detected on blood tests)
- Trouble sleeping (reported by some people)
- Dizziness
- Memory or concentration problems (uncommon and evidence is mixed; if they occur, they are often reversible)
- Increased blood sugar levels, which may slightly increase the risk of developing diabetes in some people already at risk
- Rare but serious muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis), which can damage the kidneys
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you have:
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or feeling unwell.
- Dark, cola-colored urine.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, or persistent nausea and vomiting (possible liver problems).
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing (seek emergency care).
Tips for taking atorvastatin
- Take it exactly as prescribed.
- You can usually take it with or without food.
- Avoid or limit large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase atorvastatin levels in the body and raise the risk of side effects.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take, because some can interact with atorvastatin.
- Keep follow-up appointments for cholesterol checks and, if recommended, blood tests.
Don’t stop it on your own
If you develop side effects, don’t stop atorvastatin without speaking to your healthcare provider. Often, side effects can be managed by adjusting the dose, switching to a different statin, or addressing another contributing factor.
If you’re taking atorvastatin and have a specific symptom you’re concerned about, tell me:
