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Lipitor Cholesterol Medication Side Effects

Lipitor is a cholesterol-reducing drug called atorvastatin calcium, classified as a statin. Manufactured by Pfizer, Lipitor blocks production of cholesterol by the liver. Doctors usually prescribe statins after other attempts to lower cholesterol, such as diet and exercise, have not been ineffective. Reducing cholesterol helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Many side effects are possible with Lipitor, but most are mild, and the majority of patients do not experience any at all.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • In clinical studies with Lipitor, as detailed by eMedTV, the most common side effect was headache, experienced by nearly 17 percent of participants in some studies. Other side effects experienced by four to 10 percent of participants included accidental injury, diarrhea, infections, joint or muscle pain, and sinusitis.

    Less Common Effects

    • Other less common side effects are also associated with Lipitor. These include abdominal pain, constipation, sore throat and weakness. Rarely, people experience an allergic reaction to Lipitor, with signs of rash or hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing and severe dizziness.

    Liver Considerations

    • Because Lipitor affects the liver, it can cause liver dysfunction, although this is not common. People who drink large amounts of alcohol may need to avoid taking Lipitor. Symptoms of liver problems include jaundice, dark urine and fatigue. Additionally, patients with liver disease do not metabolize Lipitor properly, which can lead to high blood levels of Lipitor and increased side effects.

    Rhabdomyolysis

    • Very rarely, a serious disorder called rhabdomyolysis can result from Lipitor use. Symptoms include muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, along with a fever or general feelings of illness. These symptoms call for prompt medical attention, as rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage or failure.

    Drug and Food Interactions

    • Lipitor interacts with many other medications. These include antifungal drugs, certain antibiotics, fibrates, high doses of niacin, birth control pills, clopidogrel, digoxin, certain medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and any drugs which affect the liver. Additionally, people taking Lipitor should not eat or drink any grapefruit products, as grapefruit can increase Lipitor levels in the blood.

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