Side Effects of Atorvastatin

The most common side effects of atorvastatin are headache, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Other common side effects associated with atorvastatin include joint pain, unexplained rash, and stomach pain. Side effects of atorvastatin may also include constipation, back pain, and heartburn.

 

Side Effects of Atorvastatin: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with atorvastatin calcium (sold under the brand name Lipitor®). However, not everyone who takes atorvastatin calcium ("atorvastatin") will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate atorvastatin well. When people do develop side effects of atorvastatin, though, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by the patient or his or her healthcare provider. In previous research studies, up to 2 percent of people taking atorvastatin stopped their medicine because of side effects.
 
If you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if they are with a fever or if you feel ill, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 
(The side effects discussed below are NOT a complete list of side effects reported with atorvastatin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of atorvastatin side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin has been studied extensively in clinical trials.
 In these studies, side effects are always documented. The most common side effects of atorvastatin thought to be related to the medicine were:
 
  • Headache -- reported in up to 16.7 percent of people
  • Muscle pain -- reported in up to 5.6 percent of people (see Lipitor and Muscle Pain)
  • Diarrhea -- reported in up to 5.3 percent of people
  • Joint pain -- reported in up to 5.1 percent of people (see Lipitor and Joint Pain)
  • Unexplained rash -- reported in up to 3.9 percent of people
  • Stomach pain -- reported in up to 3.8 percent of people.
 
Other common atorvastatin side effects that were observed in more than 2 percent of people included:
 
  • Infections
  • General feeling of weakness (asthenia)
  • The flu
  • Back pain
  • Allergic reaction
  • Constipation
  • Passing gas
  • Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
  • Sore throat (pharyngitis).
 
(Side Effects of Atorvastatin Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;