Atorvastatin
Information
Atorvastatin is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. Using this medicine may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This medicine may also be used to prevent certain types of heart problems in adults with risk factors for heart problems.
Atorvastatin
Side Effects
As with all medicines, Atorvastatin can sometimes cause side-effects in some individuals. The most common side effects are: nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, wind, indigestion, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea and insomnia.
Other less common side-effects have been seen in some patients taking Atorvastatin or other medicines of this kind. Not all of these effects have necessarily been linked to the use of these medicines. These include: muscle cramps, weakness or tenderness, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, impotence, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas leading to stomach pain), hepatitis (liver inflammation), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, vomiting, hair loss, itching, rash (rarely severe blistering rash with associated general illness), chest pain, dizziness, allergic reactions, joint pain, loss of memory, back pain, weight gain, oedema (e.g. ankle swelling), feeling tired, noises in the ears and/or head, reduction in sensation of skin to light, touch or pain.
The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.