We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Atorvastatin Side Effects?

By Caitlin Shih
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,719
Share

The vast majority of atorvastatin side effects tend to be mild, if there are any. Headaches tend to be the most common, with other mild side effects involving diarrhea, upset stomach, fatigue and muscle pain, among others. The more serious atorvastatin side effects involve severe muscle and liver disease, but these cases are extremely rare. There have also been reports of atorvastatin leading to some memory loss and dementia, but these generally are reported to be largely anecdotal and contradictory with established medical evidence.

Atorvastatin is generally reported to be well-received, and the most side effects are minor. Gastrointestinal side effects tend to be the most common, and include constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, heartburn and urinary tract infection. Patients should contact their physician if they experience nausea or vomiting or pass abnormally dark-colored or brownish urine. Headache, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness and rash also have been reported, as well as peripheral edema, which is a swelling of the lower limbs usually because of fluid retention.

Minor musculoskeletal and nasal-related side effects also have been reported in a small number of patients. These include muscle pain, joint pain, back pain and arthritis. Atorvastatin side effects concerning the nasal passages include sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis and stuffy nose. Additionally, infections and flu-like symptoms have been present in a small percentage of patients. Allergic reactions to atorvastatin, which might include inflammation of the lips, tongue, face, throat or difficulty breathing, should be communicated to a doctor as soon as possible.

Although rare, atorvastatin side effects can include adverse liver and muscle disease. Patients who are taking other medications along with atorvastatin tend to be the most at risk. In general, atorvastatin and medications like it can yield abnormal liver tests. These might return to normal on their own, but if the abnormality is three times the normal limit, the medication generally is discontinued. Regular liver tests are recommended for all patients on atorvastatin.

Serious cases of muscular disease are caused by inflammation of the muscular tissue, which can lead to the breakdown of muscle cells known as rhabdomylosis. Untreated, this can lead to kidney failure and might even be fatal. Patients who are taking atorvastatin should notify their physician immediately if they start to exhibit unexplained muscle weakness, tenderness or fever.

Anecdotal testimonies of memory loss have been presented as being associated with atorvastatin. This has been reported in a minuscule percentage of consumers and is more often reported in women. There is already, however, a well-established medical association between high cholesterol and dementia. Clinical trials generally do not support an association between atorvastatin and memory loss.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-atorvastatin-side-effects.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.