- Atorvastatin belongs to the statin class of cholesterol-lowering medicines.
- It is usually prescribed together with diet and lifestyle changes.
- Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness to your clinician.
- Generic atorvastatin is widely available.
What atorvastatin is used for
MedlinePlus describes atorvastatin as used together with diet, weight loss and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.
How it is usually taken
Atorvastatin is taken by mouth, usually once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects to know about
Reported side effects include joint pain, diarrhoea and symptoms similar to a cold. Muscle problems can be serious; tell your clinician promptly about unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness. This overview is not a complete list — read the full safety information in the patient leaflet and the linked MedlinePlus page.
Interactions
Some medicines and large amounts of grapefruit juice can affect atorvastatin levels. Give your clinician and pharmacist a full list of what you take, including supplements.
Is atorvastatin the same as the brand Lipitor?
Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin. Generic versions contain the same active ingredient.
Sources
- Atorvastatin — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Drugs@FDA database — U.S. Food and Drug Administration