You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Learn more about how this medication works and how to stop taking it here. Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Cholesterol, Side Effects, Uses, & Dosage . Before starting atorvastatin, tell your doctor about all prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements or drugs that you take. (2015, March 4). This was one of the most common side effects reported in studies of the drug. This was not a common side effect reported in clinical trials. diarrhea. Other mild side effects include: Heartburn. He covers FDA policy, proton pump inhibitors, and medical devices such as hernia mesh, IVC filters, and hip and knee implants. Learn more here. This is because the drug can increase your blood sugar. Lipitor is used together with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Lactic acid buildup raises your risk of lactic acidosis. An allergic reaction is possible after taking atorvastatin, but its not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. Factors to consider include those described below. Its possible that this drug can cause an increase in your liver enzyme levels, which may indicate liver damage. There are multiple vaccine safety systems in place in the United States for all vaccines. Your pharmacist can recommend a suitable cold medicine and a decongestant spray or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose. Drug Interactions of Lipitor (Atorvastatin) and Other Statins Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take atorvastatin. You may experience muscle pain during your treatment with atorvastatin. Side effect Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster The conditions and factors to consider include: Liver problems. Clinical trials of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had low numbers of people experiencing severe side effects. For example, they may suggest a cream for joint pain that you apply to your skin or other over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Last medically reviewed on October 21, 2022. When your liver is damaged or inflamed, certain enzymes (a type of protein) are released into your bloodstream. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics. Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. NIH. If youve had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe atorvastatin. Side effects in older adults Specifics FAQs Precautions Talk with your doctor Atorvastatin overview Atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) is a generic prescription medication approved for use in. We appreciate your feedback. If you develop a side effect while taking atorvastatin and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch. Side effects of atorvastatin 10 mg are typically less severe than side effects of the higher strengths, such as 80 mg. You may also have an increased risk of serious side effects if you take higher doses of atorvastatin. 2001. They also include fever and malaise (a general feeling of discomfort). And Other Dos and Donts. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you have questions about what side effects to expect with the 20-mg or 40-mg dosages, talk with your doctor. In this case, your doctor can recommend the safest treatment option for you. Retrieved from. Its used off-label for this purpose. This raises your risk of lactic acidosis. The drug label also warns of serious side effects such as liver problems and muscle problems that can lead to kidney failure. Atorvastatin can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. You can also schedule an appointment with your childs physician or healthcare provider. Statins competitively inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. To learn more about these conditions, see the Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics section below. Most side effects are mild and primarily affect your digestive system. These benefits are not seen in non-diabetics, however. Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include: If you develop serious side effects while taking atorvastatin, call your doctor right away. If your levels are within the usual range, your doctor may recommend you take atorvastatin. Most let up within a day. Doctors prescribe these drugs to patients who are at an increased risk for heart disease or who have cardiovascular risks associated with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Retrieved from, MedlinePlus. Common side effects of Lipitor include: hemorrhagic stroke, arthralgia, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis. Retrieved from, Cederberg, H., et al. However, in July 2022, FDA was considering taking regulatory action because of new adverse event reports such as lichen planus, an inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Doctors advise against statin therapy for patients with liver problems. Clopidogrel may also increase the chance of serious bleeding in some people. It may also lower the risk of death from and reoccurrence of heart failure for those whove already experienced it. joint pain large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore red, irritated eyes sore throat sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Muscle pain may occur during atorvastatin treatment. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed. I found information that was very helpful, that her psychiatrist never told her.". The FDA hasauthorizedthe Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for use in children older than 6 months based on strong safety and effectiveness data. These side effects may improve over time, especially if you stop taking the drug. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. With this potentially life-threatening complication, muscle tissue dies and products of the damaged cells can enter the bloodstream. Sexual issues are common for people with type 2 diabetes. Evidence shows statins can cause diabetes, especially in women, the elderly and people of Asian descent. There are things you can do to help cope with them: Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion Headaches Nosebleeds Sore throat Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, blocked nose or sneezing Constipation or farting (flatulence) Diarrhoea Kidney problems. However, muscle pain was one of the more common reasons that people stopped taking the drug in trials. The side effects of this use are the same as those for other uses. This was a rare, but serious side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Most side effects are mild, though some can require medical attention. People who drink large amounts of alcohol or who take other medicines that may interact with statins are also more likely to develop side effects. Myopathy Information Page. Its not known how often myopathy occurred in clinical trials. The risk of myopathy increases when Lipitor users drink more than 1 liter of grapefruit juice. Atorvastatin can cause liver problems or liver damage. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. If youd like to stop your atorvastatin treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor. Statin Side Effects: What You Need to Know - Healthline Understanding the Most Serious Side Effects of Atorvastatin Most let up within a day. So, drinking a lot of alcohol while taking atorvastatin can further increase your risk of liver damage. Talk with your doctor about whether atorvastatin is safe for you to take if you have liver problems. Only a few cases of rhabdomyolysis occur per million people taking statins . Lipitor occasionally causes myopathy, a condition where muscle tissue fibers do not function as they should. But its not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. For more information, you can refer to atorvastatins prescribing information. Taste of a pill: Organic cation transporter-3 (OCT3) mediates metformin accumulation and secretion in salivary glands. In some cases other conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid problems, can cause hair loss. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Doctors diagnose high cholesterol through a simple blood test. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. See the precautions section for more information about factors that raise your risk of lactic acidosis. COVID-19 Side Effects - Should I Be Worried? Sorry there was an error. One of our content team members will be in touch with you soon. Taking atorvastatin could cause you to have another allergic reaction. Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials of atorvastatin. Please call us using the phone number listed on this page. The risk of certain side effects from atorvastatin, such as muscle pain, can be increased if you have thyroid problems. Check the pill packet for advice. So your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care. Atorvastatin may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. 5-star reviewed medical and legal information site. Can I mix Covid vaccines and/or booster shots? What are Lipitor's side effects? These tests help doctors know the health of your liver by measuring liver enzyme levels. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for atorvastatin. Other symptoms might include muscle cramps, stiffness and spasm. But its possible the drug may cause harm to a developing fetus. Reducing insulin levels can, in turn, help improve PCOS symptoms such as irregular cycles and acne. Drugwatch's trusted legal partners support the organization's mission to keep people safe from dangerous drugs and medical devices. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Statins are often an effective treatment for high cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease. * An allergic reaction is possible after using atorvastatin. Han Y, et al. If youre considering breastfeeding during atorvastatin treatment, talk with your doctor. A Finnish study published in 2015 in the journal Diabetologia showed men prescribed statins had a nearly 50 percent greater chance of developing diabetes after six years on the cholesterol-lowering drug compared to those who werent taking the medication. Other reported issues included dizziness, depression, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis and interstitial lung disease. Adults ages 18+ who have underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk of the virus Drugwatch partners with Physicians Review Network Inc. to enlist specialists. Theyll recommend you use effective birth control while taking atorvastatin. If you develop any of these side effects, your doctor may recommend decreasing your dose or having you try a different treatment option. weight loss. Youll typically get the go-ahead when your kidney function tests have returned to normal. (To learn more about atorvastatins dosages, see this article. Theyll help determine the best dosage of the drug for you. headache.