What is atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine in the statin family. It lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by reducing cholesterol production in the liver and helping the liver remove LDL from the bloodstream. MedlinePlus+1
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
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Help prevent complications of cardiovascular disease
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Treat people at increased cardiovascular risk, including some people with diabetes, kidney disease, or inherited very high cholesterol. MedlinePlus+1
It is usually taken once daily, with or without food, and treatment is often long-term. Don’t stop it without discussing it with your prescriber because cholesterol can rise again after stopping. MedlinePlus+1
What should you watch for?
Most people tolerate atorvastatin well. Possible effects include headache, digestive symptoms and muscle aches. Unexplained severe muscle pain or weakness, particularly with dark/red urine, should be reported promptly because rare but serious muscle injury can occur. nhs.uk
There are also important drug interactions, and large amounts of grapefruit juice can increase atorvastatin levels. nhs.uk
If you’re taking atorvastatin and tell me your dose (e.g., 10, 20, 40 or 80 mg), when you take it, and your latest LDL/total cholesterol, I can explain what your particular prescription is intended to accomplish.
