What does it do?
Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol. This helps to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other related problems.
How should you take it?
Take atorvastatin regularly as directed with a glass of water.
What if you forget a dose?
Take the missed dose if you remember on the same day. If not, skip the dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Muscle aches and pains, dark urine |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Headache, dizziness Stomach upset, diarrhoea Trouble sleeping Memory problems |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with atorvastatin. Discuss with your pharmacist.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. August 2012
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed