Lipitor (generic name: atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a waxy and fatty substance that is found in many in foods and made in your liver. It can accumulate in your arteries and cause atherosclerosis (hardening of your arteries), heart disease, a heart attack or stroke, says Drugs.com. Lipitor is available as a tablet and is usually taken daily. Do not take more Lipitor than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to major side effects.
Minor Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Lipitor's minor side effects include nausea, stomach pain and heartburn. Persistent nausea and stomach pains can wreak havoc on your life. Prolonged heartburn can lead to esophageal ulcers and even cancer. Lipitor can also cause flatulence (gas), constipation and bloating. These symptoms are pretty benign, but tell your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement for three to five days. Your doctor may adjust your dosage and this may resume your bowel movements. Nasal congestion, a headache and stuffy nose are other side effects of Lipitor.
Harmful Side Effects
MedlinePlus says that Lipitor's serious complications include chest pain. Chest pain occurs when not enough blood reaches your heart. You may also have suffer from a fever, nausea, fatigue and poor appetite. Lipitor can also cause abnormal bleeding and bruising, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), difficulty breathing or swallowing and swelling of your extremities, face, lips, throat or tongue. All these symptoms are critical and warrant instant medical care. Without care, these side effects may cause further damage.
Muscle Deterioration
In some instances, Lipitor can lead to skeletal muscle breakdown. When your muscle deteriorates, it releases its myoglobin (a protein that resides in your muscles). When myoglobin reaches your blood, it filters to your kidneys. However, myoglobin is foreign to your kidneys and contributes to its damage. Kidney failure results. Tell your doctor if you suffer from muscle pain, muscle tenderness, fever, muscle weakness or dark-colored urine. These are all signs of muscle breakdown, says Drugs.com.
Other Physical Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Lipitor can cause neck stiffness, photosensitivity and rectal bleeding. Do not drive if you develop neck stiffness. Photosensitivity refers to a condition in which you develop rashes on your skin when exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun or an artificial light source, such as tanning beds. Rectal bleeding may be daunting, but it is treatable. Lipitor can also affect your mind and lead to strange dreams and amnesia. It can also cause lack of coordination and numbness or tingling. In some instances, you may experience changes in your heart rate and heartbeat. Fainting spells, migraines, changes in your blood sugar levels and dry eyes are some of Lipitor's other side effects. Talk to your doctor about these side effects and she can adjust your dose or switch your medication to prevent you from suffering from these side effects.
