Atorvastatin is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called statins. It is used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
Doctors commonly prescribe atorvastatin because it has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in people at increased risk.
What atorvastatin does
Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which the body uses to make cholesterol. This leads to:
- Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Lower triglyceride levels
- A modest increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol
Common reasons it’s prescribed
A healthcare provider may prescribe atorvastatin to:
- Treat high LDL cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
- Manage mixed cholesterol disorders
- Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with:
- Diabetes
- Existing heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- A history of stroke
- Multiple cardiovascular risk factors (such as smoking, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of heart disease)
Benefits
When taken as prescribed and combined with healthy lifestyle habits, atorvastatin can:
- Slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries
- Lower the chance of heart attack and stroke
- Reduce the need for certain heart procedures
- Help people with established heart disease live longer
Common side effects
Many people take atorvastatin without major problems. Possible side effects include:
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Joint pain
- Mild digestive symptoms (such as nausea or diarrhea)
- Headache
Rare but serious side effects include:
- Severe muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis)
- Liver problems
If you develop severe muscle pain, muscle weakness, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, you should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
