Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Drugs that lower cholesterol are known as statins and are widely used for a variety of conditions. Some side effects are common, but do not occur in all people. Medications that lower cholesterol act on the liver to limit the amount of cholesterol produced. Understanding which side effects are common, and which side effects should be reported to your doctor, is important for anyone taking Lipitor.
Most Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Lipitor do not always require treatment. Most of them are insignificant and do not interfere with activity and lifestyle. The most common side effects include headache, infections, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, and sinus inflammation.
Infrequent Side Effects
Back pain, allergic reaction and rash, generalized weakness, abdominal pain, flu, sore throat and sinusitis have been reported in individuals taking Lipitor.
When Not to Use Lipitor
If you have existing liver disease, tell your doctor. Lipitor affects the liver and can promote or worsen liver disease. If you are planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor. If you become pregnant, discontinue Lipitor. The ingredients can pass through breast milk and harm breast-fed infants.
Serious Side Effects
Dark urine is a sign that you should notify your doctor of immediately if you take Lipitor. Stomach pain, fatigue, yellowing of the whites of the eyes and increasing fatigue may signal liver damage.
Signs of Allergy
Allergic reaction is a possible side effect of Lipitor. Rash, hives, difficulty swallowing, swelling around the eyes or generalized itching could occur. You should stop taking the medication and contact your physician if you think you have developed an allergy to the cholesterol-lowering drug.
Rare Side Effects
Lipitor side effects--rarely--might include loss of appetite, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, thinning hair, hepatitis, ulcer and nosebleed. The rare side effects were reported in 2 percent of people taking the medication. Because of the small number of rare side effects reported, it is difficult to say whether they are related to the medication.
Warning
Because Lipitor could cause liver damage, it is important to see your doctor regularly for blood testing. When taking Lipitor, your doctor will perform a liver enzyme blood test with each cholesterol check.
