What is atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine belonging to a group called statins. It lowers the amount of cholesterol made by the liver, particularly LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Why is it commonly prescribed?
Doctors commonly prescribe atorvastatin to:
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Lower high LDL cholesterol
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Reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes
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Help prevent cardiovascular complications in people who already have cardiovascular disease
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Reduce cardiovascular risk in some people with diabetes or other risk factors
It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver involved in cholesterol production. The liver then removes more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
What should you know while taking it?
Atorvastatin is generally well tolerated, but possible side effects include muscle aches, digestive symptoms, and headache. Rarely, it can cause serious muscle injury or liver problems.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your other medications because some drugs—and large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice—can increase atorvastatin levels.
Don’t stop atorvastatin on your own simply because your cholesterol has improved. The medication may be what is keeping it controlled and reducing your cardiovascular risk.
If you want, I can also explain what atorvastatin does to your cholesterol after the first few days, weeks, and months , and when doctors usually check a cholesterol blood test .
