❤️ Why do doctors prescribe it?
Atorvastatin is used to:
- Lower high LDL cholesterol
- Reduce the risk of heart attack
- Reduce the risk of ischemic stroke
- Help people with established cardiovascular disease reduce their risk of further events
- Treat certain inherited forms of very high cholesterol
- Help reduce cardiovascular risk in some people with diabetes or other risk factors.
It is usually taken once daily, with or without food, and many people take it for years because stopping treatment can allow cholesterol levels to rise again.
⚠️ What side effects should you know about?
Many people tolerate atorvastatin well. Possible side effects include headache, digestive problems, dizziness, sleep problems and muscle aches.
Rarely, statins can cause serious muscle injury. Unexplained severe muscle pain, weakness, cramps, fever, or dark/red-brown urine should be reported promptly to a healthcare professional. Liver problems are also uncommon but possible.
Atorvastatin can interact with certain medicines and with large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, potentially increasing side effects.
Don’t stop atorvastatin on your own because of a side-effect concern or something you read online. If you’re experiencing symptoms, a doctor or pharmacist can determine whether atorvastatin is responsible and whether the dose or medication should be changed.
