15 Atorvastatin Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people tolerate it well, and for those at high cardiovascular risk, its benefits usually outweigh the risks. However, side effects can occur.
Common side effects
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Mild muscle pain is one of the most commonly reported side effects.
- Joint pain
- Some people notice aching or stiffness.
- Digestive upset
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion may occur.
- Headache
- Often mild and temporary.
- Fatigue
- Some people report feeling more tired than usual.
- Trouble sleeping
- Sleep disturbances have been reported, though they are not common.
Less common side effects
- Muscle weakness
- Persistent or worsening weakness should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Usually causes no symptoms and is detected on blood tests.
- Increased blood sugar
- Statins can slightly increase the risk of developing diabetes in some people, but the reduction in heart attack and stroke risk generally outweighs this small increase.
- Memory or concentration changes
- A small number of people report reversible memory problems, but evidence linking statins to cognitive decline is mixed.
- Skin rash or itching
- Allergic skin reactions are uncommon but possible.
- Dizziness
- May occur in some individuals.
- Muscle cramps
- Can occur with or without muscle aches.
- Rare muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis)
- A very rare but serious condition causing severe muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine.
- Rare liver problems
- Seek medical attention if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue
