What is atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine belonging to a group called statins. It lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by reducing cholesterol production in the liver and helping the liver remove LDL from the bloodstream.
Why is it commonly prescribed?
Doctors use atorvastatin to:
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Lower high LDL cholesterol
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Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people whose cardiovascular risk warrants treatment
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Reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in people with established heart disease
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Help lower triglycerides in some patients
The dose can range from relatively low to high intensity depending on the person’s cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.
What should you know about side effects?
Most people tolerate atorvastatin well. Possible effects include muscle aches, headache, digestive symptoms, and increases in blood glucose or liver enzymes. Serious muscle injury and significant liver injury are uncommon.
Tell your healthcare professional about unexplained or severe muscle pain or weakness, particularly if accompanied by dark urine, or symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Atorvastatin can interact with some medicines and with large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice. It also generally shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.
Don’t stop atorvastatin on your own. If you’re concerned about side effects, a clinician can determine whether the medicine is responsible and whether a dose adjustment or alternative is appropriate.
