Your doctor might order Lipitor (atorvastatin), a statin drug, to treat high cholesterol. Lipitor can cause problems in some individuals. It is important to recognize side effects and report them to your physician. Frequent blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of statin medications are needed and are usually performed every 6 months. Problems with Lipitor can occur from interaction with other medications, drinking alcohol and underlying health problems.
Common Problems
Common problems with Lipitor include muscle and joint pain. Some individuals experience stomach pain, gas and stomach upset. Constipation or diarrhea can occur. Headache can also be experienced. A rash is possible from an allergy to the medication, or as a sign of liver dysfunction from the effects of Lipitor.
Muscle Damage
A serious form of muscle damage called rhabodomyolysis can occur in those taking Lipitor. Diffuse muscle pain and tenderness, fatigue and fever are signs that immediate medical attention is needed. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to muscle damage from taking the cholesterol-lowering drug. The effects on the muscles can lead to kidney failure and death. There may be no symptoms present. Stiffness, muscle pain and dark urine should be reported to your doctor immediately. Blood and urine tests will reveal if the problem is from taking Lipitor. When muscle is destroyed from taking statin drugs, a blood enzyme known as CPK becomes elevated. Liver enzyme tests are also used to determine if the medication is causing muscle pain.
Health Issues and Interactions
Certain medical conditions can cause problems with Lipitor. The medication should not be used if you have liver disease or frequently consume alcohol. Cholesterol lowering medications can cause liver damage and liver failure. Diabetes, underactive thyroid and kidney disease could be a contraindication for taking the medication. A discussion with your doctor is important to weigh the risks and benefits. A medical history and physical exam is important before starting statin drugs. Lipitor can cause problems with abnormal fetal development. If you are pregnant, do not use the medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor. Some medications interact with Lipitor. The interaction can cause serious side effects. If you start new medications while taking Lipitor, tell your doctor. Certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythroymycin, for example) and antifungal medicines (itraconazole, ketoconazole), potentiate problems with Lipitor.
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