Atorvastatin (statins): benefits, side effects and muscle pain

By the Medsmingle Team · Updated 13 November 2026

This is a prescription medicine. Only take it if it has been prescribed for you, and follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin, a medicine that lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins are among the best-studied medicines in the world.

How it works

It blocks an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol, which lowers LDL in the blood and stabilizes fatty plaques in arteries.

Side effects

• Muscle aches are the most talked-about side effect. Muscle symptoms can have several causes and need assessment. If you do get them, your doctor may adjust the dose or try another statin.
• Upset stomach, headache or joint pain
• A small rise in blood sugar in some people

Rare but serious: call your doctor

• Unexplained severe muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine
• Yellow skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right belly

Interactions

• Large amounts of grapefruit juice
• Some antibiotics (clarithromycin), antifungals and HIV medicines
• Gemfibrozil and some other cholesterol medicines

Important to know

• Tell your prescriber promptly if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Most pregnant patients should stop statins under medical advice; rare high-risk exceptions require specialist assessment.
• Keep up healthy eating and activity; statins work best alongside them
• Your doctor may check cholesterol and liver tests

Frequently asked questions

Should I take atorvastatin at night?

Atorvastatin works at any time of day; pick a time you’ll remember.

Can I stop if my cholesterol is normal now?

Usually not; levels rise again when you stop. Talk to your doctor first.

For questions about a prescription or symptoms, speak with your own doctor or pharmacist. For website enquiries, contact our team.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Source and further reading

MedlinePlus patient medicine information. Read the leaflet for your specific medicine; this overview does not list every warning or interaction.