Atorvastatin - Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

As stated earlier, myopathy with elevation of creatinine kinase (CK) and rhabdomyolysis are the most serious, although rare <1%. Headache is the most common side effect, occurring in more than 10% of patients. Side effects that occur in 1–10% of patients taking atorvastatin include:

• Weakness
• Insomnia and dizziness
• Chest pain and peripheral edema
• Rash
• Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea
• Urinary tract infection
• Arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, arthritis
• Sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, rhinitis
• Infection, flu-like syndrome, allergic reaction

Atorvastatin and other statins are associated with anecdotal reports of memory loss by consumers, which have been seen in clinical practice in a tiny percentage of users, particularly women. Evidence is conflicting with anecdotal reports contrasting with a well-established association of high cholesterol with dementia. However, it is known that cholesterol synthesis is necessary for normal neuron functioning. According to Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, clinical trials "do not establish a causal link between Lipitor and memory loss."

Elevation of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) has been described in a few cases.

High-dose atorvastatin had also been associated with worsening glycemic control in the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy – Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE-IT TIMI 22) substudy.