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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Atorvastatin

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Atorvastatin

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments so that your cholesterol can be checked to ensure that the dose of atorvastatin you are taking is right for you.
  • Changes in lifestyle are important in reducing cholesterol, for example, eating healthy food, stopping smoking, increasing the exercise you take, reducing the amount of caffeine you drink and the amount of salt in your diet.
  • Important: If you have any unusual aches and pains in your muscles, stop taking atorvastatin and contact your doctor immediately.

About atorvastatin

Type of medicineA lipid-regulating drug commonly known as a statin
Used forLowering cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood
Also calledLipitor®
Available asTablets

Cholesterol is made naturally in the body and is absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of cholesterol are too high in the bloodstream, it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to the narrowing of the blood vessels and can cause them to block completely. High levels of cholesterol can cause problems if left untreated.

Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood and may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol such as heart disease.

Before taking atorvastatin

Before taking atorvastatin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have any liver problems or have ever had a disease which affected your liver.
  • If you suffer from myopathy (a condition that affects your muscles).
  • If you have repeated or unexplained muscle aches or pain.
  • If you have breathing problems.
  • If you have a thyroid disorder.
  • If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have an intolerance to some sugars.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

  • Atorvastatin is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

How to take atorvastatin

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take atorvastatin exactly as you have been directed by your doctor.
  • Atorvastatin can be taken with or without food.
  • Try to take atorvastatin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do miss a dose, take your next dose at the correct time and then carry on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will have tests, particularly when you first start treatment, to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
  • Follow any advice your doctor has given you about a healthy diet, stopping smoking and taking exercise.
  • Even if you do not feel unwell, do not stop taking atorvastatin without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking atorvastatin, your fat levels may increase again.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with atorvastatin. Alcohol can also increase your cholesterol levels.
  • Do not drink more than two small glasses of grapefruit juice a day while you are taking atorvastatin.
  • Women of childbearing age should not take atorvastatin unless they are using an effective contraceptive, which should be continued for at least one month after stopping treatment.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your atorvastatin.

Can atorvastatin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
DizzinessGetting up or moving slowly should help
Feeling sick, stomach acheEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
'Pins and needles', wind, chest pain, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, joint pain and back pain, mood changes, forgetfulness, and sexual problemsSpeak with your doctor if any of these become troublesome

Important: If you have any unusual aches, pains, weakness or tenderness in your muscles contact your doctor straight away.

Important: If you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or have severe itching of the skin, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, a dry cough, weakness, weight loss and a high temperature, speak with your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store atorvastatin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Lipitor®, Pfizer Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text updated October 2007, accessed 3 March 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 1404DocRef: dils2620Last Reviewed: 31 Mar 2008Version: 24
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