Atorvastatin, the generic form of Lipitor, is a medication used to help reduce cholesterol levels. It is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, orstatin.

Though it can help reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, there is a risk of both mild and more serious side effects.

This article reviews everything you need to know about the potential side effects of atorvastatin.

Atorvastatin is a type of prescription medication typically prescribed for people who have high levels oflow-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.

When combined with lifestyle changes, like exercising, maintaining a moderate weight, and eating a nutrient-rich diet, atorvastatin can help you reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol in your body. By stopping the buildup of cholesterol, the medication can help prevent artery blockages that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Your doctor may also recommend you take additional medications to help reduce cholesterol and promote a healthy heart.

大多数服用Atorvastatin的人没有明显的不良副作用。但是副作用可能会发生,特别是如果您有某些危险因素。

Here’s what you should know about atorvastatin:

Like all medications, atorvastatin can cause noticeable side effects in some people. Though most will experience only mild ones, there is a possibility you will experience more severe side effects.

Certain risk factors, outlined below, can increase the likelihood of you experiencing more serious or rare side effects.

Common atorvastatin side effects

The most common side effects ofatorvastatinuseinclude:

  • muscle aches
  • diarrhea
  • cold-like symptoms, like runny nose, sneezing, and coughing
  • heartburn
  • gas
  • confusion
  • joint pain
  • urinary tract infection (UTI)

If you do experience these side effects, they should be generally mild and go away within a few weeks of use. If they do not improve or get worse, you should contact your doctor to discuss what you are experiencing. They may be able to adjust the medication.

Rare atorvastatin side effects

In rare cases, you may experience more serious side effects. Some of the more severe, but rare side effectscan include:

  • liver problems or failure, which can cause stomach issues, muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, loss of appetite, or jaundice
  • issues with muscles, including weakness, pain, or tenderness
  • allergic reactions to the medication

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms as they indicate a serious reaction to the medication.

阿托伐他汀可能不工作as expected or cause potentially serious complications when taken at the same time as other medications and supplements. This is known as interactions.

It is important to review all current medications and supplements, including vitamins that you take, with your doctor. This can help the doctor determine whether atorvastatin will work well for you and whether they should adjust or change other medications you are taking.

Some potential interactionsinclude:

  • Anti-viral medicationscan cause levels of atorvastatin to build up in the body.
  • Certain anti-fungal medicationscan also cause levels of atorvastatin to build in the body.
  • Fibratescan cause myopathy (muscle weakness).
  • Certain macrolide antibioticscan cause your body’s levels of atorvastatin to increase.
  • Niacinis associated with cases of myopathy (muscle weakness) and rhabdomyolysis (release of proteins and electrolytes into the blood due to muscle damage).
  • Grapefruit juicewhen consumed moderately or excessively can increase the levels of atorvastatin in the blood and the risk of developing muscle weakness and rhabdomyolysis.
  • Rifampinreduces the effectiveness of atorvastatin.
  • Colchicineuse has caused both myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when taken along with atorvastatin.
  • Cyclosporinecauses an increased risk of myopathy and can cause too much atorvastatin build up in your blood.

Side effects are possible for anyone taking any medication. That said, certain factors can make it more likely that you’ll have side effects from taking atorvastatin.

You’re at an increased risk of having side effects if you:

  • take more than one medication to reduce cholesterol
  • have a small body frame
  • are65 yearsor older

In addition, certain groups of people should avoid taking atorvastatin. Theseincludepeople who:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are allergic to the medication
  • consume large amounts of alcohol
  • have kidney or liver disease
  • are living with diabetes

Learn more about the different types of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Atorvastatin can prove valuable for managing your LDL levels and preventing heart disease. However, side effects may be a concern, especially they’re painful or bothersome.

If you have muscle pain or other side effects that you think are caused by taking atorvastatin, you should talk with your doctor.

不要先与医生交谈,不要突然停止服用处方药。如果您对药物有副作用,您的医生可能会调整剂量或推荐其他他汀类药物或其他药物组合。