Atorvastatin is a prescription medication in the statin class. It lowers levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Why is atorvastatin prescribed?
Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe it to:
- Lower high LDL cholesterol
- Reduce triglycerides (a type of blood fat)
- Slightly increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at higher risk, even if their cholesterol is not very high
- Treat people with existing cardiovascular disease, such as those who have had a heart attack, stroke, or certain artery problems
How does it work?
The liver makes most of the body’s cholesterol. Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme involved in cholesterol production, causing the liver to:
- Make less cholesterol
- Remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream
Common side effects
Many people take atorvastatin without significant problems, but possible side effects include:
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Joint pain
- Mild digestive upset (such as nausea or diarrhea)
- Headache
Rare but important side effects
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop:
- Severe muscle pain or weakness, especially with dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe allergic reactions
Things to know while taking atorvastatin
- Take it exactly as prescribed.
- Continue heart-healthy habits, including a balanced diet, exercise, and not smoking.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all medications and supplements you take, as some can interact with atorvastatin.
- Large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase atorvastatin levels in the body and raise the risk of side effects, so ask your prescriber whether you should limit or avoid it.
- Statins should generally not be used during pregnancy.
Atorvastatin is one of the most widely studied cholesterol-lowering medications and has strong evidence that it reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people who are likely to benefit from it. If you’ve been prescribed it, the expected benefits usually outweigh the potential risks, but the decision should be individualized based on your health and risk factors.
