Its a medical emergency that must be treated immediately in the hospital. (n.d.). You can read more about reportedside-effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine here. Although the likelihood of muscle disease is minimal with statins alone, researchers determined the risk is substantially elevated among patients who take statins at the same time as other medications such as certain antibiotics, antifungals and treatments for HIV and hepatitis C. Lipitor can cause serious muscle problems that can lead to kidney problems, including kidney failure, according to the drug label. Tell your doctor about any liver problems you have before starting atorvastatin. To learn more about these conditions, see the Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics section below. Atorvastatin may increase the risk of stroke in people who have had a stroke or ministroke within the past 6 months. While it can be effective in treating high cholesterol, there are certain serious side effects associated with it. Lipitor is used together with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Applies to atorvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet. Before starting atorvastatin, tell your doctor about all prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements or drugs that you take. The agency recommends doctors perform liver enzyme tests before they prescribe Lipitor to determine whether the patient can tolerate treatment. There are things you can do to help cope with them: Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. Other factors may also affect whether atorvastatin is a good treatment option for you. Metformin can cause mild and serious side effects. 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. Our team includes experienced medical writers, award-winning journalists, researchers and certified medical and legal experts. Metformin is also often prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the FDA hasnt approved it. Metformin causes some common side effects. If youve had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe atorvastatin. Most of the side effects reported by people taking this drug are mild and include: * To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below. However, if the side effects . Serious Side Effects of Statins More What Are Statins? The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor or get emergency medical help . 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. If it isnt treated, this side effect could lead to rhabdomyolysis, a more serious form of muscle damage. Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during treatment with atorvastatin. Metformin is sometimes used to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance, and help regulate ovarian function in people with PCOS. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Any unauthorized or illegal use, copying or dissemination will be prosecuted. Its not known how often myopathy occurred in clinical trials. Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Cholesterol, Side Effects, Uses, & Dosage Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Taking certain medications along with atorvastatin can increase your risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. In 2018, a district court dismissed all remaining Lipitor lawsuits after it had sided with Pfizer. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atorvastatin: Some side effects of atorvastatin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. But atorvastatin works to decrease your cholesterol and reduce your risk of certain heart problems. Kidney problems can increase your risk of muscle-related side effects from atorvastatin. LC Class. But its not known how common this was or whether the drug was the cause. 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. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Examples of long-term side effects that may occur include: If youre concerned about long-term side effects from atorvastatin, talk with your doctor. However, one study suggests that the risk of cardiovascular events may increase after stopping statin drugs. Effect of metformin on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery diseases: a systematic review and an updated meta-analysis. 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). Metformin is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. 813/.6 B 22. Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include: To learn more about these side effects, see the Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics section below. Talk with your doctor if youre pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will monitor you for muscle pain and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis IMNM during your atorvastatin treatment. Many patients . Learn more. You may experience joint pain from atorvastatin. However, this side effect wasnt reported in clinical trials. This was a rare, but serious side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug. Sorry there was an error. Parke-Davis. https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticheartdisease.html. Taking atorvastatin could cause you to have another allergic reaction. 5-star reviewed medical and legal information site. They may prescribe a different treatment option for you. You may report them to the FDA. Check the pill packet for advice. January - March 2022 | Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information Identified by the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). All rights reserved. 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. The agency based its decision in part on the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE-IT TIMI 22) substudy, which associated high-dose atorvastatin with worsening glycemic control. (To learn more about atorvastatins dosages, see this article.). This intense pain may be a symptom of rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis), a rare condition that causes muscle cells to break down. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you. Nausea. Your vitamin B12 levels can improve if you stop taking metformin or take vitamin B12 supplements. Retrieved from, American Diabetes Association. (For more details, see the Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics section above.) You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include: For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If youve had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found atorvastatin reduced the recurrence of ischemic and mini-strokes in patients who had recently experienced a stroke. Atorvastatin: Cholesterol, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages - RxList It can also be used to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Product Information. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet can help. Side effects Interactions Dosage FAQ What is Lipitor? Atorvastatin is not safe to take if youre pregnant. Talk with your doctor to learn whether atorvastatin is safe for you to take if you have kidney problems. For more information, visit our partners page. The information on this website is proprietary and protected. Find out how to reduce your risk. What are the serious side effects of atorvastatin? Statins and Musculoskeletal Conditions, Arthropathies, and Injuries. And Other Dos and Donts. Controlling Cholesterol with Statins. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. In some cases other conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid problems, can cause hair loss. This was one of the most common side effects reported in studies of the drug. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Your doctor can help determine if atorvastatin may be a safe treatment option for you in this case. Do I need to eat food when taking atorvastatin? Like most drugs, Lipitor may cause mild or serious side effects. Han Y, et al. The serious side effect was not fatal in the majority of patients affected. Atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) is a generic prescription medication approved for use in certain adults and children with: Atorvastatin comes as an oral tablet. Preceded by. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC medications. If you have joint pain from taking atorvastatin, talk with your doctor. Evidence shows statins can cause diabetes, especially in women, the elderly and people of Asian descent. Patients who started with the closest to normal blood glucose levels were affected most by the medicines, according to the study. They can recommend OTC treatments to relieve your symptoms. Groups at particular risk include the elderly, women, and Asians, the studys authors wrote. This heightened risk became especially apparent when doctors prescribed the drugs at higher doses. Does Eating Too Much Salt Give You Diabetes? Theyll let you know if theyre safe to take with atorvastatin or the condition atorvastatin is treating. However, it may not be safe to consume alcohol while taking the drug. PRN is a nationally recognized leader in providing independent medical reviews. Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Warnings to Be Aware Of | Ro Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug that contains the active ingredient atorvastatin. Followed by. These can include: Before you start taking atorvastatin, your doctor will order liver function tests for you. For more information about these side effects, see the Atorvastatin: Serious side effects section above. Drugwatch.com is HONCode (Health On the Net Foundation) certified. In this article, we explore the most serious side effects of atorvastatin, including rhabdomyolysis, liver and kidney problems, allergic reactions, chest pain, fatigue, and more. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Your doctor will likely test your kidney function before you take metformin and then again each year. Symptoms of these conditions include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. 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. Learn more about some of the side effects that atorvastatin may cause. Note: This document contains side effect information about atorvastatin. You may want to review this article with them. Theyll recommend you use effective birth control while taking atorvastatin. Some Lipitor patients report various types of muscle injuries after taking the drug. Necrotising autoimmune myopathy requires early, aggressive treatment. * To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below. 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. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include: If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. Mild side effects*. Myopathy is a type of muscle problem that causes muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. Adults ages 18+ who have underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk of the virus Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Other side effects include: urinary tract infection, insomnia, limb pain, muscle spasm, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, and nausea. Bempedoic acid demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of cardiac events along with statins. Adults ages 18+ in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or assisted living For more information, see Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking atorvastatin below. Does my risk of side effects depend on my dosage? If your kidneys dont work well, youll have higher levels of metformin in your system. Packer M. (2018). Last medically reviewed on October 21, 2022. These problems usually go away over time. Alternatively, you can visit your local pharmacy's website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are. (2022). 2023 Drugwatch.com Privacy Policy / Advertising Disclosure / We avoid using tertiary references. Atorvastatin calcium tablets for oral use. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking atorvastatin. If youre pregnant, Learn about the relationship between the medication Metformin and hair loss. These can occur when you first start taking metformin but usually go away over time. The death rate of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is between 30% and 50%, but its only reported ten times per every 100,000 patient years. No, you shouldnt experience hair loss from taking atorvastatin. Statins: Serious Side Effects Not everybody who takes a statin has side effects, and they tend to be more common in women, seniors, and in people with liver or kidney disease. Calling this number connects you with a Drugwatch representative. The most common include pain or redness at the site of the injection, fatigue, headache, muscle ache, fever, and chills. You may need to change your dosage, particularly during stress. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.). For example, they may suggest a cream for joint pain that you apply to your skin or other over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Before you start atorvastatin treatment, your doctor will order a blood test to check your liver function. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the most common side effects people have when they first start . Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. They may be able to recommend ways to manage the pain. Stroke or ministroke in the last 6 months. Review our editorial policy to learn more about our process for producing accurate, current and balanced content. Metformin has a boxed also referred to as a black box warning about this risk. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes before you start taking atorvastatin. In rare cases, this can cause anemia or low levels of red blood cells. It might help to take your atorvastatin after a meal or snack. You could also try holding an icepack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on the top of your nose to help reduce the blood flow. If you and your doctor decide that atorvastatin works for you, youll likely take it long term. Possible Side Effects - Wikipedia Clinical trials of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had low numbers of people experiencing severe side effects. These benefits may include improved oral wound and bone healing. NIH. pain in the right upper area of your abdomen, swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe. Atorvastatin Calcium Side Effects. Learn about the different types of medications and supplements people can take to manage high cholesterol levels. Try to eat smaller meals, eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. People with type 2 diabetes have blood sugar (glucose) levels that rise higher than normal. An allergic reaction is possible after taking atorvastatin, but its not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. Last medically reviewed on November 6, 2022. Retrieved from, Park, A. The information on Drugwatch.com has been medically and legally reviewed by more than 30 expert contributors, including doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, patient advocates and other health care professionals. Some of these products are toxic to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure. Pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through your mouth. Drinking alcohol while taking metformin raises your risk of hypoglycemia. These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took atorvastatin in clinical trials: * For more information about this side effect, see Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics below. Clinical trials of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had low numbers of people experiencing severe side effects. Your doctor can also let you know when its safe to resume taking metformin after the procedure. Statins reduce total cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol in the blood. Atorvastatin calcium tablets, for oral use. A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. It may also lower the risk of death from and reoccurrence of heart failure for those whove already experienced it. Kidney problems. Its usually mild and may occur with joint swelling. Its possible for atorvastatin to cause side effects. This side effect is typically mild and goes away within a few days. Ask them about other medications that might be better options. These are not all the side effects of atorvastatin. And do not stop taking atorvastatin unless your doctor recommends it. Do statins cause diabetes? This was not a common side effect reported in clinical trials. Is it always possible to manage high cholesterol with diet and exercise alone? However, some side effects may last longer or become severe or bothersome. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know, Lipitor Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others, Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Cost: What You Need to Know, nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e4b7419d-9d9f-9df7-e053-2995a90a668b/spl-doc?hl=atorvastatin, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Intense Exercise Could Raise Stroke Risk for People With Blocked Arteries, For People Who Can't Take Statins This New Alternative Can Help, Bempedoic Acid: Statin Alternative Helped Reduce Bad Cholesterol By 21%, VLDL: A Key Player in Cholesterol Metabolism and Heart Health, lower certain types of high cholesterol levels and raise, reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or the need for heart surgery in people with, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (a very rare condition in which your, immune-mediating necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), which is a very rare condition in which your, swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe, an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as, a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream, what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect, how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose, any other information you feel is important. If youre an older adult, your doctor may not prescribe atorvastatin due to the increased risk of developing these conditions. For a general overview of atorvastatin, including details about its uses, refer to this article. If you dont get much vitamin B12 or calcium through your diet, you may be at higher risk of very low vitamin B12 levels. Clopidogrel is a platelet inhibitor. The more common symptoms of anemia include: If you think you may have anemia, make an appointment with your doctor to have your red blood cell levels checked. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase that is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol in the liver. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Muscle pain may be a sign of more serious muscle damage, called myopathy. If youve recently had a stroke or transient ischemic attack, you may have an increased risk of another stroke. Some studies have found that statin drugs, such as atorvastatin, may provide health benefits for your mouth and teeth. (To learn more about atorvastatins dosages, see this article. Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems. Lipitor Label. Drugwatch is located at: Learn the. Bad problems with your muscles. chemistry. Atorvastatin may cause side effects. In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. joint pain 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 red, irritated eyes sore throat sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Data collected in 2010 from 91,000 patients who had been treated with either a statin or a placebo revealed that about one in every 255 patients who had taken the medication went on to develop diabetes. Statins: Types, Uses & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic The book contains stories from the life of Augusten Burroughs, ranging from his childhood to the near-present. Clopidogrel may also increase the chance of serious bleeding in some people. By lowering the levels, they help. The risk of certain side effects from atorvastatin, such as muscle pain, can be increased if you have thyroid problems. Simvastatin Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term (2019). This is if you take high doses of atorvastatin. And rarely, these muscle conditions may increase your risk of kidney problems. If you take contraceptive pills and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Summary Effects of metformin on pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis. Doctors prescribe these drugs to patients who are at an increased risk for heart disease or who have cardiovascular risks associated with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. (2015, September 22). 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 most commonly reported side effects of statins are muscle-related symptoms, including muscle pain, cramps, and weakness. Board-certified physicians medically review Drugwatch content to ensure its accuracy and quality. Symptoms can include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. Statins for high cholesterol: Are the benefits worth the risk? - Drugs.com For more information, read about the dangers of drinking with metformin use and how alcohol affects diabetes. This is because atorvastatin and alcohol can both cause liver problems. Serious side effects of Simvastatin Along with its needed effects, simvastatin may cause some unwanted effects. Retrieved from, Mansi, I., et al. Stop taking atorvastatin and contact 111 or call your doctor if: Drinking a lot of alcohol regularly increases the chance of you having side effects with atorvastatin, and liver problems. A 2018 study found no significant difference between the rate of serious adverse events in pregnant women who either took a placebo or metformin. Lipitor can. Retrieved from, Goldstein, MR and Mascitelli, L. (2013, June). The drug label also warns of serious side effects such as liver problems and muscle problems that can lead to kidney failure. (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 how this medication works and how to stop taking it here. And those taking 40 mg daily may have more side effects than people taking 10 mg daily. Please wait a moment and try again. Lipitor Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility. Side effects of atorvastatin. For more information, you can refer to atorvastatins prescribing information. If youd like to learn more about atorvastatin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Join our newsletter to stay up to date on dangerous drugs and devices, keep up on lawsuit and settlement news, learn about FDA recalls, and more. A boxed warning is the most severe warning that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues. Rhabdomyolysis and IMNM may also lead to other serious complications, including kidney problems. If youre considering breastfeeding during atorvastatin treatment, talk with your doctor. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. The reaction proceeds rapidly at a temperature, T, at which the average kinetic energy of the deuterium atoms is 810^-16 J. Could an experimental probiotic help detoxify mercury from diet? Its also not known if atorvastatin shows up in breastmilk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed baby. Its also a good idea to avoid drinking heavily when taking metformin because it can increase your chances of developing lactic acidosis. Side effects explained Warnings What to ask your doctor Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug that's used to treat high cholesterol and reduce certain heart risks. Your pharmacist can recommend a suitable cold medicine and a decongestant spray or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose. Many people may have mild side effects. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. This raises your risk of lactic acidosis. Its not likely. NIH. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking atorvastatin. Side effects in older adults Specifics FAQs Precautions Talk with your doctor Atorvastatin overview Atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) is a generic prescription medication approved for use in. Lipitor: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com Available for Android and iOS devices. Like most drugs, atorvastatin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a type of statin that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. Clinical studies revealed Lipitor can damage liver function, and the FDA has received rare post-marketing reports of both fatal and nonfatal liver failure.