Millions of Brits taking atorvastatin, commonly known by the brand name Lipitor, are being urged to "report it, review it" if they experience new symptoms, as some side-effects can be severe.
Atorvastatin is widely prescribed to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. More than 5 million people were taking it in 2024, up from 4.2 million the previous year. It is estimated that up to eight million people across the UK take a statin of one form or another.
The NHS states that, "like all medicines, atorvastatin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them."
Pharmacist's advice on side-effects
Pharmacist Raj Patel, known as Pharmacist Health Raj on social media, explained that certain side-effects can be severe, and that you need to "report it, review it, then decide what happens with your healthcare professional" should you experience them.
However, he cautioned that people need to "keep them in perspective" and that, just because you have a medical issue, it does not necessarily mean it was caused by atorvastatin.
He said: "If you've read the atorvastatin leaflet inside and suddenly worried about all the side-effects listed, for more than 35 years in the pharmacy game, here's how I would take those risks and put them into perspective."
"Most people taking atorvastatin tolerate it well, but side-effects can still happen. Some people report things like headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, or muscle and joint pain."
When to speak to your pharmacist
Mr Patel continued: "Here's the important part - a symptom appearing while taking atorvastatin doesn't automatically prove that the statin caused it. Timing matters, other medicines matter, and other health problems can matter too. If a new symptom is persistent, troublesome, or started after beginning atorvastatin or increasing the dose, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber."
He highlighted symptoms that should be taken more seriously, including unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness - particularly if severe or your urine is darker - which needs prompt medical attention. Yellowing of the skin or eyes can be a sign of a severe liver problem and needs urgent assessment.
"My pharmacist tip is, don't ignore a possible side-effect, but don't diagnose yourself from the leaflet either. Report it, review it, then decide what happens with your healthcare professional."
Common and serious side-effects
According to the NHS, common side-effects of atorvastatin include headache, dizziness, feeling sick (nausea), digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting, muscle aches and swollen joints, blocked or runny nose or nosebleeds, and sleep problems.
More serious side-effects are rare, but can include inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause severe stomach pain, inflammation and damage to the muscles, which can cause muscle cramps, severe pain and weakness, and an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash or difficulty breathing.
Atorvastatin is part of a class of medications called statins, which are prescribed to help manage cholesterol and lipids (fats) in the bloodstream. It works to reduce LDL cholesterol levels while boosting HDL cholesterol.
