What is atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine belonging to a group of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. It is commonly sold under the brand name Lipitor. It works mainly by reducing the liver’s production of cholesterol, particularly LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and also lowers triglycerides.
N
nhs.uk
+1
Why is it commonly prescribed?
Doctors prescribe atorvastatin to:
Lower high LDL cholesterol
Reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes
Help people who already have cardiovascular disease reduce their risk of further events
Treat people with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or familial hypercholesterolemia when cholesterol reduction is appropriate.
N
nhs.uk
+1
The important point is that high cholesterol usually doesn’t cause symptoms. Atorvastatin is therefore generally used to reduce future cardiovascular risk, rather than to make someone feel better immediately.
What should you know about side effects?
Many people take atorvastatin without significant problems. Possible side effects include headache, digestive symptoms, dizziness and muscle aches.
N
nhs.uk
Rarely, statins can cause serious muscle injury or liver problems. Unexplained severe muscle pain or weakness, especially with dark/brown urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes should be reported promptly.
U
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
+1
There are also important drug interactions. For example, certain antibiotics, antifungals and cardiovascular medicines can increase the risk of atorvastatin side effects. Large amounts of grapefruit juice can also increase atorvastatin exposure.
N
nhs.uk
Don’t stop atorvastatin on your own if you’ve been prescribed it. Stopping can allow cholesterol levels to rise again; if you’re experiencing side effects, a doctor can assess whether changing the dose or switching to another statin is appropriate.
N
nhs.uk
If you’re asking because you or someone over 60 has recently been prescribed atorvastatin, I can also explain what LDL level typically leads doctors to prescribe it, how long it takes to work, and whether it should be taken in the morning or at night.
N
U
Sources
