Learn more about how this medication works and how to stop taking it here. You can also ask them about Lipitor, the brand-name version of atorvastatin. The risk of certain side effects from atorvastatin, such as muscle pain, can be increased if you have thyroid problems. nausea. Metformin also raises your risk, so taking it if you have liver problems is dangerous. They can recommend options for pain relief, such as OTC ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Parke-Davis. Find everything you need to know about Lipitor (atorvastatin), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. The side effects listed above may last only a few days to weeks. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. The effect of metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome in overweight women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. There are multiple vaccine safety systems in place in the United States for all vaccines. The side effects of this use are the same as those for other uses. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drugs side effects and their answers. Drinking alcohol while taking metformin raises your risk of hypoglycemia. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Ask them about other medications that might be better options. Along with its needed effects, atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) may cause some unwanted effects. Please wait a moment and try again. The risk of myopathy increases when Lipitor users drink more than 1 liter of grapefruit juice. For more information about these side effects, see the Atorvastatin: Serious side effects section above. Typically, you may not notice any symptoms with liver damage. Clopidogrel is a platelet inhibitor. mild allergic reaction *. Although uncommon, its possible for atorvastatin to cause long-term side effects. Testing Positive for COVID-19: It Felt Like I Had a Compression Belt Around My Chest, Talcum Powder: The Feminine Hygiene Extra That May Have Fueled a Cancer Crisis, Trial Attorney and Pharmaceutical Litigation Expert, 3M Settles Multibillion-Dollar Lawsuit Over Forever Chemicals in Water, Erika Sward of American Lung Association Reveals the Dangers of Vaping and IQOS, This article contains incorrect information, This article doesn't have the information I'm looking for, Common cold, diarrhea, fever, pain, urinary tract infection, Type 2 diabetes, rhabdomyolysis, hepatitis, Study: Millions of Americans May Suffer Side Effects from Statins, Over 2,400 Lipitor Diabetes Lawsuits Filed in Federal Court, More Expected, EzriCare & Delsam Artificial Tears Lawsuits, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/questions-and-answers-fdas-adverse-event-reporting-system-faers/january-march-2022-potential-signals-serious-risksnew-safety-information-identified-fda-adverse, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16899775, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25754552, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23456437, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/statin_medications_may_prevent_dementia_and_memory_loss_with_longer_use_while_not_posing_any_short_term_cognition_problems, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1691918, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000473.htm, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000313.htm, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Myopathy-Information-Page, https://time.com/3732605/statins-may-seriously-increase-diabetes-risk/, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20150727/Necrotising-autoimmune-myopathy-requires-early-aggressive-treatment.aspx, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/05/opinion/the-diabetes-dilemma-for-statin-users.html?_r=1, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-important-safety-label-changes-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/controlling-cholesterol-statins, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020702s071lbl.pdf. Metformin is commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes or, The FDA has announced that several lots of metformin a popular type 2 diabetes drug contain high levels of a cancer-causing contaminant called. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? They may be able to recommend ways to manage the pain. They may prescribe a different treatment option for you. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take atorvastatin. Atorvastatin may cause side effects. While mild side effects are more commonly reported in people taking atorvastatin, serious side effects are possible too. Common side effects of Lipitor are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests, according to Pfizer Inc. Metformin and Pregnancy: Is This Drug Safe? They can help you determine the best treatment plan for your condition or the best way to feed your child. Many people may have mild side effects. chemistry. Your doctor may monitor you more often for side effects in this case. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Additionally, the medications appeared to cause the pancreas to secrete less insulin into the patients bloodstream. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Your liver clears lactic acid from your body. Try to eat smaller meals, eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Severe liver problems could lead to a buildup of lactic acid. However, this side effect wasnt reported in clinical trials. This was the most commonly reported side effect in clinical trials of the drug. Your doctor will likely test your kidney function before you take metformin and then again each year. Due to the possible risks, its not considered safe to take atorvastatin during pregnancy. How long does atorvastatin stay in the system after stopping the drug? Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, may be safe for you to consume while taking atorvastatin. This particular myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness along with elevated levels of serum creatine kinase, which is an enzyme found in muscle and the brain. You should not take metformin if you have severe liver problems. Our team includes experienced medical writers, award-winning journalists, researchers and certified medical and legal experts. Retrieved from, MedlinePlus. These can include: Before you start taking atorvastatin, your doctor will order liver function tests for you. To learn more about these conditions, see the Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics section below. (These are also known as adverse effects or complications.) For more information about atorvastatin, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article. Learn more about some of the side effects that atorvastatin may cause. High cholesterol can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by other factors. Are children eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine? The most common include pain or redness at the site of the injection, fatigue, headache, muscle ache, fever, and chills. Do I need to eat food when taking atorvastatin? (2012, March 4). However, it may not be safe to consume alcohol while taking the drug. Retrieved from, Mansi, I., et al. But atorvastatin works to decrease your cholesterol and reduce your risk of certain heart problems. However, muscle pain was one of the more common reasons that people stopped taking the drug in trials. Summary You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. But they can include: If not treated, liver damage from atorvastatin use can lead to liver failure and in rare cases, even death. Still others reported fever, liver problems, abnormal blood and urine test results, and malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness. Like most drugs, atorvastatin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Applies to atorvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet. However, as required by the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you may record your preference to view or remove your personal information by completing the form below. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Important safety label changes to cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were reported more often in women who took metformin. https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticheartdisease.html. In rare cases, this can cause anemia or low levels of red blood cells. Type 2. You may wish to discuss the possible side effects of atorvastatin with your doctor before starting treatment. (2022). However, this side effect wasnt reported in clinical trials. Diabetologia. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Withdrawal symptoms were not reported in clinical trials of people taking and then stopping atorvastatin treatment. And rarely, these muscle conditions may increase your risk of kidney problems. Clinical trials of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had low numbers of people experiencing severe side effects. Several factors raise your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Effect of metformin on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery diseases: a systematic review and an updated meta-analysis. Symptoms can include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. Atorvastatin is a prescription medication used to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Is it always possible to manage high cholesterol with diet and exercise alone? Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during treatment with atorvastatin. An official website of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. With this potentially life-threatening complication, muscle tissue dies and products of the damaged cells can enter the bloodstream. If you still have questions about the side effects of this drug, talk with your doctor. When your liver is damaged or inflamed, certain enzymes (a type of protein) are released into your bloodstream. (2016). The agency recommends doctors perform liver enzyme tests before they prescribe Lipitor to determine whether the patient can tolerate treatment. You can also ask them about Lipitor, which is the brand-name version of atorvastatin, a generic drug. 5-star reviewed medical and legal information site. Is metformin beneficial for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes? For more information, read about the dangers of drinking with metformin use and how alcohol affects diabetes. But researchers later found this figure to be inaccurate because the study included weaker statins. You can reduce these effects by taking metformin with a meal. Retrieved from, Amarenco, P., et al. A 2016 review of studies found evidence that metformin may reduce the rate of miscarriage in women with PCOS. Learn about erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness, get tips for increasing your libido, A once-weekly insulin helped people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar (glucose) levels, with results similar to or better than daily, Using insulin can be tricky sometimes. The risk of very serious side effects is extremely low. Bempedoic acid demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of cardiac events along with statins. Learn more. Many patients . joint pain. Excess cholesterol has been shown to cause several health conditions including blockage of blood vessels and heart attack. This article describes atorvastatins side effects. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. Atorvastatin may increase the risk of stroke in people who have had a stroke or ministroke within the past 6 months. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis: Current perspectives on causes and risk. Statins, one of the most extensively studied drugs on the planet, taken by tens of millions of Americans alone, have long had a perplexing side effect. nausea. Atorvastatin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. Retrieved from. Some side effects may not be reported. Find out how to reduce your risk. Youll typically get the go-ahead when your kidney function tests have returned to normal. This is because atorvastatin and alcohol can both cause liver problems. If you continue to get symptoms of indigestion, ask your pharmacist to recommend an antacid. Some studies have found that statin drugs, such as atorvastatin, may provide health benefits for your mouth and teeth. Serious side effects. See the precautions section for more information about factors that raise your risk of lactic acidosis. In medicine, a side effect is an effect, whether therapeutic or adverse, that is unintended; although the term is predominantly employed to describe adverse effects, it can also apply to beneficial, but unintended, consequences of the use of a drug.. Evidence shows statins can cause diabetes, especially in women, the elderly and people of Asian descent. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include: For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems. For more information, see Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking atorvastatin below. If this advice does not help and any of these side effects continue or bother you, keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor or pharmacist. Atorvastatin can cause liver problems or liver damage. Statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol XL), lovastatin (Altoprev), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin, rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Lipitor. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Examples of long-term side effects that may occur include: If youre concerned about long-term side effects from atorvastatin, talk with your doctor. If you develop a side effect while taking atorvastatin and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch. Common side effects of Lipitor are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests, according to Pfizer Inc. Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Side effects of atorvastatin. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Muscle pain may occur during atorvastatin treatment. Do Not Sell My Info. This condition is a potential serious side effect of atorvastatin use. And do not stop taking atorvastatin unless your doctor recommends it. Since muscle pain could be due to a more serious condition, its important to tell your doctor about any muscle pain or other symptoms of these conditions you have. Adults ages 18+ who have underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk of the virus 2001. Its used off-label for this purpose. Pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through your mouth. Terry Turner has been writing articles and producing news broadcasts for more than 25 years. Statins and Musculoskeletal Conditions, Arthropathies, and Injuries. All rights reserved. If the symptoms last longer than a week ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this. Clinical trials of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had low numbers of people experiencing severe side effects. Doctors advise against statin therapy for patients with liver problems. Statin Medications May Prevent Dementia and Memory Loss With Longer Use, While Not Posing Any Short-Term Cognition Problems. For more information, you can refer to atorvastatins prescribing information. People who took Lipitor and developed diabetes sued Pfizer over allegations that the company knew of the risk but failed to warn the public. What are the effects of high cholesterol? You shouldnt experience withdrawal symptoms from stopping atorvastatin. This website and its content may be deemed attorney advertising. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Atorvastatin is not safe for people who are pregnant. Myopathy Information Page. Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials of atorvastatin. It belongs to a class of medications called biguanides. Your doctor may suggest lowering your dose or changing your medicine. Having a family member with major depression and anxiety, I was looking for information on her medications. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 June 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 25 June 2023), ASHP (updated 11 June 2023) and others. Groups at particular risk include the elderly, women, and Asians, the studys authors wrote. abnormal results on liver function tests, which could be a sign of liver problems. And some may be easily managed. Serious side effects Other side effects Professional info FAQ Note: This document contains side effect information about atorvastatin. DeFronzo R, et al. Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones, continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, menstrual bleeding occurring earlier or lasting longer than usual, swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin. Last medically reviewed on November 6, 2022. Referring to the following articles about atorvastatin and Lipitor can provide you with additional information: Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. If you have joint pain from taking atorvastatin, talk with your doctor. Alisha D. Vassar-Sellers, BS Pharmacy, PharmD. If you plan to have surgery or a radiology procedure that uses iodine contrast, youll need to stop taking metformin before the procedure. This is a general list of medications that you should be aware of: Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide may decrease the . Risk factors for experiencing side effects, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026049515003066, cardiab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12933-019-0900-7, accessdata.fda.gov/spl/data/7bdffe9f-2acc-49d4-8dbd-a522bca265b3/7bdffe9f-2acc-49d4-8dbd-a522bca265b3.xml, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452499/, journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2016/09060/Effects_of_metformin_on_pregnancy_outcomes_in.12.aspx. Other reported issues included dizziness, depression, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis and interstitial lung disease.