Taking Atorvastatin? Possible Side Effects to Know About
Atorvastatin is a statin medication commonly prescribed to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people take it without serious problems, but like any medication, it can cause side effects.
Here are some possible side effects. Having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean atorvastatin is the cause.
Common or less serious side effects
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Joint pain
- Mild weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Trouble sleeping (reported by some people)
Less common but important side effects
- Muscle cramps
- Significant muscle weakness
- Elevated liver enzymes (usually found on blood tests rather than causing symptoms)
- Memory problems or confusion (reported by some patients, but evidence suggests these effects are uncommon and often reversible if related to the medication)
- Increased blood sugar levels, which may slightly increase the risk of developing diabetes in susceptible individuals
- Rash or allergic reactions
- Dark-colored urine with severe muscle pain or weakness—this can be a sign of a rare but serious muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis and requires urgent medical attention.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop:
- Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Severe fatigue
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing (seek emergency care)
Don’t stop atorvastatin on your own
If you think you’re experiencing side effects, don’t stop taking atorvastatin without discussing it with your healthcare provider. They may:
- Check for another cause of your symptoms.
- Adjust the dose.
- Switch you to a different statin.
- Recommend a different cholesterol-lowering medication if appropriate.
For many people at increased cardiovascular risk, the benefits of atorvastatin in preventing heart attacks and strokes outweigh the risk of side effects.
If you’re taking atorvastatin and have noticed new symptoms, tell me:
