This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
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What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atorvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- muscle aches, pain, or weakness;
- "flu-like" symptoms;
- decreased urine or rust-colored urine;
- blurred vision; or
- yellowing of your skin or eyes.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take atorvastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache;
- upset stomach or flatulence; or
- a rash.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect atorvastatin?
- Do not take atorvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Nicotinex, others);
- clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Ilotycin, Eryc, PCE, Ilosone, others); or
- fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
- The medications listed above interact with atorvastatin and may cause damage your muscles.
- Before taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); or
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).
- You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with atorvastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about atorvastatin written for health professionals that you may read.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database
Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
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Version: 7.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.