Quick answer
What is atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin is a statin medicine that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is taken once a day, at any time that suits you, and food does not affect how it works. Muscle pain is a rare side effect that should be reported to a GP, and it should be avoided in pregnancy.
Why statins are used
Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke by helping to prevent fatty deposits building up in the arteries. For most people who are eligible for treatment, the benefits of taking a statin like atorvastatin outweigh the risks.
Who is prescribed atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is usually offered to people whose calculated cardiovascular risk (using a tool such as QRISK) reaches a certain threshold, as well as to people with diabetes or existing cardiovascular disease. A higher, high-intensity dose is often used after a heart attack, since the risk of a further event is greatest in this group.
Side effects of atorvastatin
Common side effects include headache, stomach upset, and muscle aches (myalgia). There has also been debate about a small increase in the risk of developing diabetes with statin use, and this is something your GP can discuss with you as part of the overall balance of benefits and risks.
Atorvastatin interactions with other medicines
Atorvastatin levels in the blood can be raised by certain other medicines, including macrolide antibiotics and azole antifungal medicines, which increases the risk of side effects. Gemfibrozil, a medicine used for high triglycerides, increases the risk of muscle-related side effects (myopathy) when taken together with atorvastatin. Always tell your GP or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking.
Common questions about atorvastatin
- When is the best time to take atorvastatin?
- Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of day, as long as you take it at roughly the same time each day. Food does not affect how well it works. Some people take it in the evening out of habit from older statins, but this is no longer necessary with atorvastatin.
- What should I do if I get muscle pain while taking atorvastatin?
- Stop the tablets and speak to your GP if you develop significant, unexplained muscle pain, as this may need a blood test to check a muscle enzyme called creatine kinase (CK). You may need to switch to a different statin or a lower dose. Mild, temporary aches are common and not usually a cause for concern.
- Can I take atorvastatin during pregnancy?
- No, atorvastatin is not safe in pregnancy and should be stopped before you try to conceive. Discuss cholesterol management with your GP if you are planning a pregnancy, as alternative approaches will be needed while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Can I drink alcohol while taking atorvastatin?
- You can usually drink in moderation, but it is best to avoid heavy drinking. Both alcohol and atorvastatin are processed by the liver, so combining heavy drinking with the medicine adds extra strain on liver function.