Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol, raises "good" cholesterol, lowers triglycerides (TG, also known as fats). In addition, it helps protect your heart and blood vessels. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is known as a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, meaning it lowers your cholesterol more so than many other statins. And as with all statins, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause rare, but serious side effects, such as liver problems or severe muscle pain. It's important that you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to get the most benefits from this medication.
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.
When does Atorvastatin (Lipitor) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:timePharmacist tips for Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
You can take atorvastatin (Lipitor) at any time of the day, but it's best to take it at the same time every day.
If you accidentally miss a dose of atorvastatin (Lipitor), take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 12 hours have passed since the time you were scheduled to take your dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses of atorvastatin (Lipitor) at the same time to make up any missed doses.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor). This is because alcohol can raise your risk of serious liver problems with atorvastatin (Lipitor). Ask your provider what's a safe amount of alcohol to drink while you're taking this medication.
Let your provider know right away if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially if you also have fever or feel extremely tired. This can be a sign of a rare, but serious, breakdown of muscles called rhabdomyolysis.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) interacts with many commonly prescribed medications. For example, some medications (like azole antifungals and colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare)) can raise the level of atorvastatin (Lipitor) in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects, such as muscle damage. Your atorvastatin (Lipitor) dose might need to be lowered or you might need to switch to a different medication. Make sure to let your provider known about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and supplements) before starting atorvastatin (Lipitor) so that they can help you check for interactions.
It's important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and maintain a regular exercise routine while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor). Doing so will help you get the most benefit out of the medication. Talk with your provider if you have questions about how to plan your meals and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.
Make sure to mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take atorvastatin (Lipitor). Your provider will order blood work to check your cholesterol levels during treatment. They might change your dose of atorvastatin (Lipitor) based on your lab results.
You can take the tablets with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
Swallow the tablets whole. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets, ask your provider if atorvastatin (Atorvaliq) oral liquid is right for you.
Take the liquid on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Shake the bottle well before each dose. This will make sure the medication is properly mixed so you take the correct dose.
Make sure to only use a medication dose cup or syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
Store the suspension at room temperature in the original bottle it came in from the pharmacy for up to 2 months. After 2 months, throw away the medication bottle, even if there's still some medication left.
What are the risks and warnings for Atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe muscle pain and damage
Risk factors: Age 65 years and older | Higher dose of atorvastatin (Lipitor) | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can also cause muscle problems or interact with atorvastatin (Lipitor) | Uncontrolled hypothyroidism
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. Your risk is higher if you take other medications that can raise the levels of atorvastatin (Lipitor) in your body. For this reason, don't start any new medications without asking your provider or pharmacist first. If you notice any of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, dark-colored urine, weakness, and tiredness, stop atorvastatin (Lipitor) and get medical attention right away.
Worsening liver problems and liver failure
Risk factors: History of liver problems | Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Though rare, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. You'll need to get blood tests to check your liver health before and during treatment to make sure your liver is working properly. Get medical attention right away if you notice swelling of your stomach, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools), nausea, vomiting, confusion, or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop using the medication to prevent further liver damage.
High blood sugar
Risk factors: High blood sugar
Some research suggest that atorvastatin (Lipitor) can raise your blood sugars levels, which can lead to higher hemoglobin A1C levels. However, healthcare providers believe that the benefits of statins outweigh their risk for harm. Let your provider know if you have high blood sugar before starting atorvastatin (Lipitor) because you might need to monitor your blood sugar more often. Also, make sure to have a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor).
Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding females. This medication can cause harm to unborn and breastfed babies. If you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your provider about the safest options for you.
Possible strokes or brain bleeds
Risk factors: Stroke or other blood clot in the brain in the past 6 months
Studies are mixed, but some research suggest it's possible that atorvastatin (Lipitor) can raise the risk of stroke or brain bleeds in people who've recently had a stroke in the past 6 months. However, other research show that atorvastatin (Lipitor) doesn't raise the risk of brain bleeds in people with a history of stroke. If you've recently had a stroke or other blood clot in the brain, ask your provider whether atorvastatin (Lipitor) is safe for you.
How to minimize side effects
Certain treatable conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction and severe vitamin D deficiency, may lead to intolerance of atorvastatin and other statins. Large consumption of grapefruit or its juice, along with certain medications, can also contribute. Addressing these issues may alleviate or prevent muscle-related side effects of statins. Additionally, some individuals report relief by taking coenzyme Q10 supplements, though they are not recommended by ACC/AHA guidelines.
It is crucial not to discontinue your statin medication and to inform your doctor of any muscle-related side effects. Your physician might prescribe a milder statin, adjust the dosage, or consider different dosing schedules, such as every other day or less often. Through determination, you and your doctor can find a statin plan that suits you.
Dr. Laffin notes, "Often, there's a tolerable statin dosage for most people, even if it's only a few times a week. If you're unable to tolerate any amount of statin, there are alternative medications available," including ezetimibe (Zetia®) or the newer PCSK9 inhibitors: alirocumab (Praluent®) and evolocumab (Repatha®).
What you need to know about statin use in older adults
Age is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the risks and benefits of statins need careful consideration in the elderly, particularly those with existing health issues.
Older adults may have a higher likelihood of experiencing severe side effects from statins compared to younger individuals. The risk of adverse drug interactions increases for many seniors who are on multiple medications. Moreover, those with medical conditions that reduce life expectancy might not benefit from statin therapy.
Therefore, if you are over 75 and have other health concerns, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of statins with your doctor, as recommended by Dr. Laffin.
Strengths
Tablet
10mg 20mg 40mg 80mg
Dosages
The typical starting dose ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth once daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges between 10 mg to 80 mg once dailly.
Your provider will monitor you and change your dose depending on factors such as what you're taking the medication for, your LDL levels, if you're having side effects, or if you're taking other medications that interact with atorvastatin (Lipitor).
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Atorvastatin (Lipitor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
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
When do Atorvastatin (Lipitor) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
timeThe following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Statins, like atorvastatin (Lipitor), are first-choice medications to lower cholesterol. But among the statins, it's hard to say whether or not one is better than another. Some statins are more potent, meaning they can lower your cholesterol levels more than other statins (if you compare them milligram to milligram). For example, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is considered a moderate-to-high intensity statin. At certain doses, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can lower your cholesterol levels by more than 50%. Your provider will determine if atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a good choice for you depending on factors, such as what other medications you're taking and how high your LDL cholesterol is.
Both atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are moderate-to-high intensity statins that can help treat high cholesterol. They're both taken once daily, at any time of the day. But there are few differences between them. One difference is that atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) have slightly different interactions. For example, you should be cautious taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) with grapefruit or grapefruit juice and certain macrolide antibiotics. But rosuvastatin (Crestor) doesn't have the same precautions with grapefruit or macrolide antibiotics. Another difference is that rosuvastatin, under the brand name Ezallor Sprinkle, comes as a capsule that can be opened up and sprinkled over soft foods. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) doesn't have a sprinkle option, but is available as an oral solution (Atorvaliq). To learn more about other differences between atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor), talk with your provider or pharmacist.
Muscle pain is a well-known potential side effect of statins. You can experience it at any time during treatment, even if you've been taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) for years without any problem. Let your provider know right away if you experience muscle pain. They can recommend possible solutions, such as lowering your dose or change how often you take atorvastatin (Lipitor) (e.g., every other day instead of daily). Or, your provider might switch you to another statin because you might not get muscle pain from another statin just because you got muscle pain from atorvastatin (Lipitor). Be sure to get medical help right away if you also notice dark-colored urine or fever in addition to muscle pain - these might be signs of a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a long-acting medication, which means that its effects last throughout the day. You can take atorvastatin (Lipitor) any time during the day or at night time. Just make sure you try to take it around the same time each day.
No, you can't take atorvastatin (Lipitor) if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It's not clear whether or not atorvastatin (Lipitor) is safe in pregnancy. However, based on how it works, it's possible for atorvastatin (Lipitor) to cause birth defects. In addition, atorvastatin (Lipitor) hasn't been studied in breastfeeding. But, based on similar medications, it can pass through breast milk and cause harm to breastfed babies. Ask your provider if you have any questions about atorvastatin (Lipitor) and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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Miss Victoria Kula
Reviewed on June 02, 2024
Positive Review: A user mentioned taking 80mg of Lipitor daily and experienced muscle pain in the calves, which was somewhat alleviated by taking CoQ10 supplements.
By a user from webMD.
