Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a statin medication used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many people take it safely for years, but like all medicines, it can cause side effects in some people.
Common possible side effects
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Joint or back pain
- Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or stomach discomfort
- Headache
- Tiredness or weakness
- Mild changes in blood sugar levels
Less common side effects to be aware of
- Sleep changes (such as unusual dreams or difficulty sleeping)
- Memory or concentration complaints (reported by some people; research has not shown a clear cause-and-effect relationship for most users)
- Skin rash or itching
- Increased liver enzymes on blood tests
Rare but serious side effects
Seek medical advice promptly if you develop:
- Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or dark-colored urine (possible serious muscle injury)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal symptoms (possible liver problems)
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing)
Factors that can increase side-effect risk
- Taking higher doses
- Older age
- Certain kidney or thyroid problems
- Heavy alcohol use
- Interactions with some medicines (including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and other drugs)
What you can do
- Take atorvastatin exactly as prescribed.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use.
- Report new or unusual symptoms rather than stopping the medication on your own.
- Ask whether periodic cholesterol and liver-related monitoring is appropriate for you.
If you tell me your atorvastatin dose, how long you’ve been taking it, and any symptoms you’re noticing, I can help you sort out whether they are known possible effects and what questions to discuss with your clinician.
