Atorvastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
How Atorvastatin works
Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
- In general, Atorvastatin is safe. It may cause diarrhea, gas or an upset stomach. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Atorvastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Atorvastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.