What Is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is a statin medication that lowers cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Why is atorvastatin commonly prescribed?
It is mainly prescribed to:
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Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol — it reduces the liver’s production of cholesterol and increases removal of LDL from the blood.
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Reduce cardiovascular risk — people with established heart disease or certain risk factors may take it to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Treat high cholesterol — including some inherited cholesterol disorders.
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Lower triglycerides — atorvastatin can also reduce elevated triglyceride levels to some degree.
How does it work?
Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol production. The liver then takes more LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
Common side effects
Many people tolerate atorvastatin well. Possible side effects include:
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Muscle aches or weakness
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Headache
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Nausea or digestive upset
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Diarrhea
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Mild increases in liver enzymes
Rarely, statins can cause serious muscle injury. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop unexplained severe muscle pain or weakness, particularly with dark-colored urine.
Atorvastatin is generally intended as a long-term treatment, and it should not be stopped without discussing it with the prescriber—even if your cholesterol has improved.
