Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine in the statin family. It lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol by reducing how much cholesterol the liver produces and increasing the liver’s removal of LDL from the blood.
Why is it commonly prescribed?
Doctors commonly prescribe atorvastatin to:
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Lower high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
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Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people at increased cardiovascular risk
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Help prevent cardiovascular complications in people with conditions such as coronary artery disease or diabetes, when cholesterol-lowering treatment is appropriate
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Lower triglycerides to some extent
It is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The appropriate dose depends on the person’s cholesterol levels, cardiovascular risk, other medicines, and medical history.
Important side effects
Many people tolerate atorvastatin well. Possible effects include muscle aches, headache, or digestive symptoms. Unexplained or severe muscle pain or weakness, particularly with dark urine or marked fatigue, should be reported promptly because rare but serious muscle injury can occur.
Atorvastatin can also interact with certain medicines and with grapefruit/grapefruit juice, depending on the amount consumed.
If you’re taking atorvastatin, don’t stop it on your own—your clinician can advise whether the dose should be changed or the medication switched.
