What Is Atorvastatin and Why Is It Commonly Prescribed?
If you are taking atorvastatin, do not stop it simply because you feel well or because you read about possible side effects.
High cholesterol generally does not cause obvious symptoms, so feeling normal does not necessarily mean the underlying cardiovascular risk has disappeared.
MedlinePlus specifically advises patients to continue atorvastatin as prescribed and to discuss concerns about stopping or changing treatment with their healthcare provider.
If side effects occur, a healthcare professional can determine whether the dose should be changed, whether another statin might be appropriate, or whether another explanation should be investigated.
Important Drug and Food Interactions
Atorvastatin can interact with certain medicines and supplements. That’s why it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also interact with some statins, so it is sensible to ask your healthcare professional whether you should limit them while taking atorvastatin.
Alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of certain problems, particularly in people who drink heavily.
Who Should Be Especially Careful?
Before taking atorvastatin, patients should tell their healthcare professional if they have:
Liver disease
Kidney problems
Thyroid disease
Diabetes
Previous muscle problems with cholesterol medicines
A history of medication allergies
Other medical conditions
They should also provide a complete list of medicines and supplements they use because interactions can affect the safety or effectiveness of treatment.
Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy, and patients who become pregnant while taking it should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
The Bottom Line
Atorvastatin is one of the most widely used cholesterol-lowering medicines. It belongs to the statin family and works mainly by reducing cholesterol production in the liver and increasing the liver’s removal of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
It is commonly prescribed to people with high cholesterol or elevated cardiovascular risk and can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke when appropriately prescribed.
Although atorvastatin is generally well tolerated, possible side effects include digestive symptoms, joint or muscle discomfort and, less commonly, more serious muscle or liver problems. New or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than assuming they are harmless—or stopping the medicine without medical advice.
Most importantly, atorvastatin should be taken according to the prescription, and decisions about starting, stopping or changing the dose should be made with a doctor or pharmacist.
