Description
What is Atorvastatin (Lipitor) used for?
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Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in high-risk adults (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of cholesterol problems)
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Treatment of high “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
How Atorvastatin (Lipitor) works
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin. The main way it works is by blocking the enzyme (protein) in your liver that makes cholesterol. As a result, atorvastatin (Lipitor) lowers your “bad” cholesterol (called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) can also raise your “good” cholesterol (called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) levels and lower your triglyceride levels.
What are the side effects of Atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Runny nose or sore throat (8%)
- Joint pain (7%)
- Diarrhea (7%)
- Pain in arms and legs (6%)
- Pain while urinating, needing to urinate more often, and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (UTI) (6%)
Other Side Effects
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Trouble sleeping
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis): Dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, tiredness
- Worsening liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
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