The NHS has issued a caution to patients taking atorvastatin, a commonly prescribed statin, highlighting the risk of serious side effects and the need to be careful when taking other medicines alongside it. Atorvastatin is widely used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but the health service warns that interactions with certain drugs can increase the likelihood of adverse effects.
What Is Atorvastatin and Who Takes It?
Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, which work by reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood. It is routinely prescribed to patients diagnosed with high blood cholesterol to help prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Your GP may also recommend atorvastatin if you have a family history of heart disease or a long-term health condition like type 1 or type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
NHS Cautions on Drug Interactions
On its website, the NHS outlines several cautions regarding other medicines. Patients must ensure it is safe to take atorvastatin alongside other drugs and supplements. The NHS stated: "Some medicines can affect the way atorvastatin works and can increase the chances of you having serious side effects, such as muscle damage."
Patients are advised to tell their doctor or pharmacist if they are taking any of the following medicines:
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, or fusidic acid
- Antifungals such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, or fluconazole
- Some HIV medicines
- Some hepatitis C medicines
- Warfarin, a medicine to help prevent blood clots
- Ciclosporin, a medicine for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Colchicine, a medicine for gout
- Contraceptive pills, such as the combined pill
- Verapamil, diltiazem, or amlodipine, medicines for high blood pressure and heart problems
- Amiodarone, a medicine for irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
If you are taking atorvastatin and need to take one of these medicines, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of atorvastatin, prescribe a different statin, or recommend that you stop taking atorvastatin temporarily. The NHS notes that these are not all the medicines that can affect atorvastatin and advises checking the leaflet inside the medicine packet or consulting a pharmacist for a full list.
Common Side Effects of Atorvastatin
Common side effects, which occur in more than one in 100 people, include:
- Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Sore throat
- Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or blocked nose or sneezing
- Constipation or flatulence
- Diarrhoea
The NHS added that drinking a lot of alcohol regularly increases the chance of side effects with atorvastatin, including liver problems. Patients who think atorvastatin is causing side effects and want to stop taking it are advised to talk to their doctor first, as the symptoms may be caused by another problem and not the medicine. The doctor may suggest lowering the dose or changing the medication.
Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Help
The NHS warns that patients should stop taking atorvastatin and call a doctor or 111 immediately if they experience any of the following:
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramps – these can be signs of muscle breakdown and kidney damage
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (less obvious on brown or black skin), pale poo, or dark pee – these can be signs of liver problems
- A skin rash with pink or red blotches, especially on the palms or soles – possible sign of erythema multiforme
- Severe stomach pain – can be a sign of acute pancreatitis
- A cough, shortness of breath, and weight loss – can be a sign of lung disease
- Weakness in arms or legs that worsens after activity, double vision, drooping eyelids, problems swallowing, or shortness of breath – these can be signs of myasthenia gravis
For more information, patients are directed to the NHS website. The guidance underscores the importance of being aware of potential interactions and side effects when taking atorvastatin.
