Atorvastatin
CholesterolAlso known as Lipitor
Atorvastatin is a statin. It slows down how much cholesterol your liver makes, which lowers the "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in your blood. Less LDL means less buildup in your arteries, which lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke. It works quietly in the background — you won't feel it working, and that's normal.
How to take it
When
Once a day, at the same time each day. Evening is a common choice, but consistency matters more than the hour.
Food
With or without food — whichever helps you remember.
Avoid
Large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, and heavy drinking. Both can raise the drug level in your body.
How long
This is a long-term medicine. Keep taking it even when you feel fine — cholesterol has no symptoms.
Missed a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses to catch up.
Common side effects
- Mild muscle aches or joint pain
- Headache
- Upset stomach or gas
- These often ease after the first few weeks
Call a doctor if
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness — especially with fever or dark, tea-colored urine
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Unusual tiredness or loss of appetite that doesn't pass