Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins."
Atorvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
You should not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with atorvastatin. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, potentially leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Atorvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
You should not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
liver disease; or
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Atorvastatin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
Atorvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver problems;
muscle pain or weakness;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder; or
if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
Atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, potentially leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Atorvastatin is approved for use in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
Take atorvastatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Do not break a tablet before taking it, unless your doctor has told you to.
You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time if you have:
uncontrolled seizures;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
severely low blood pressure;
a severe infection or illness; or
surgery or a medical emergency.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need regular blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but keep using the medication as directed. Your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medicine. You may need to take atorvastatin for a long time or for life depending on your medical history.
Atorvastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Minimize drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter per day of grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to atorvastatin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, potentially leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back
trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
liver problems - upper stomach pain, weakness, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
kidney problems - little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common atorvastatin side effects may include:
joint pain;
stuffy nose, sore throat;
diarrhea; or
pain in your arms or legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
other cholesterol-lowering medication;
antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
birth control pills;
medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
heart medication; or
medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV.
This list is not complete. Many other drugs may interact with atorvastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.