All prescription drugs have many, many side effects. If you ever want to know about your drug, go to drugs.com, put in the name of your drug and scroll down to 'Side Effects'.
Here are the side effects of a widely prescribed Cholesterol lowering drug.
(Many more than Barbara mentions in the video below)
Serious side effects of Lipitor
Along with its needed effects, atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atorvastatin:
Less common or rare
• Chest tightness
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• dark-colored urine
• diarrhea
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Home
• Lipitor
• Side Effects
Lipitor Side Effects
Generic name: atorvastatin
Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.
• Serious side effects
• Other side effects
• Professional info
• FAQ
Note: This document contains side effect information about atorvastatin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Lipitor.
Applies to atorvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Lipitor
Along with its needed effects, atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atorvastatin:
Less common or rare
• Chest tightness
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• dark-colored urine
• diarrhea
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Home
• Lipitor
• Side Effects
Lipitor Side Effects
Generic name: atorvastatin
Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.
• Serious side effects
• Other side effects
• Professional info
• FAQ
Note: This document contains side effect information about atorvastatin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Lipitor.
Applies to atorvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Lipitor
Along with its needed effects, atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atorvastatin:
Less common or rare
• Chest tightness
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• dark-colored urine
• diarrhea
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
Other side effects of Lipitor
Some side effects of atorvastatin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
• Headache
• hoarseness
• lower back or side pain
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• painful or difficult urination
• stuffy or runny nose
Less common
• Back pain
• belching or excessive gas
• constipation
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• heartburn, indigestion, or stomach discomfort
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• shivering
• stomach pain
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting
Incidence not known
• Appetite increased
• black, tarry stools
• bloody nose
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred vision
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty seeing at night
• excessive muscle tone or tension
• fruit-like breath odor
• groin or scrotum pain
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increased body movements
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• increased sensitivity to touch or pain
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of bladder control
• loss of sexual ability, drive, or desire
• menstrual bleeding occurring earlier or lasting longer than usual
• mental depression
• nervousness
• nightmares
• pale skin
• paranoia
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• slurred speech
• swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• unable to move or feel face
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• weight loss