15 Atorvastatin Side Effects You Should Know About đź’Š
Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people tolerate it well, but side effects are possible.
Possible side effects
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Gas or bloating
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Sleep problems
- Increased blood sugar or, in some people, a higher risk of developing diabetes
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Memory or concentration symptoms—reported by some patients and usually reversible, although these symptoms are uncommon
- Serious muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis)—very rare but potentially dangerous
🚨 Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop unexplained severe muscle pain or weakness, especially with dark-colored urine, unusual extreme fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe abdominal symptoms.
Atorvastatin can interact with certain medicines and grapefruit, particularly in large amounts, can increase atorvastatin exposure.
Don’t stop atorvastatin just because you develop muscle aches or another possible side effect. Your clinician can determine whether the medicine is responsible and may adjust the dose or switch to another statin.
The benefits of statins for people who need them generally outweigh the risks, so the goal is to find a treatment you can tolerate rather than abandoning cholesterol treatment altogether.
