Serious side effects of atorvastatin

Discover the serious side effects of atorvastatin.

From the AEMPS they list the possible adverse effects that can cause the ingestion of Atorvastatin as a medicine

Atorvastatin is a drug officially approved by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). Mainly, it is a medication indicated to reduce lipid levels in the body.

Specifically, Atorvastatin is part of the group of drugs known as statins, which are mainly used to regulate the levels of lipids (fats) in the body.

Thus, it is a drug used to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood when a low-fat diet and lifestyle changes have not been effective.

It is also indicated to reduce the high risk of heart disease, even if the cholesterol levels in the body are normal.

In any case, it is usual that during treatment with Atorvastatin, your doctor recommends that you follow a diet low in fat, which reduces cholesterol levels.

Side Effects of Consuming Atorvastatin

As with any medicine, the consumption of Atorvastatin can also have several side or adverse effects. However, that does not mean that all people will develop them.

In this sense, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products ( AEMPS ), warns that the adverse effects that may arise from the intake of drugs may be rare (1 in 1,000 people) or very rare (1 in 10,000 people).

Thus, side effects include a severe allergic reaction, which can cause swelling of the face, tongue, and throat. This phenomenon occurs mainly due to a person’s ignorance of a possible allergy to the components of the drug.

A serious illness with severe peeling and inflammation of the skin can also arise; muscle weakness, skin rash, urine color change to red or brown; a high fever, or abnormal muscle breakdown.

Regarding the rupture of the muscles, from the AEMPS they explain that it does not always disappear, so it can remain even after having stopped taking Atorvastatin.

Very rare side effects

Thus, among the adverse effects considered very rare, problems such as unexpected bleeding or bruising may appear, which may indicate a liver condition. In this case, it is advisable to go to a specialist immediately.

Also, another very rare side effect is lupus-like disease syndrome (including rash, joint disorders, and effects on blood cells).

How to take the medicine

To take this medicine safely, it is essential to follow the administration instructions indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. Thus, before starting treatment, it is usual for your doctor to put you on a low-cholesterol diet to follow in parallel.

The starting dose of this medicine is usually 10 mg once a day for both adults and children 10 years and older. The AEMPS warns that the maximum dose of Atorvastatin should not exceed 80 mg per day.

Thus, the tablets of this medicine should be swallowed whole. It can be helped with a glass of water and taken at any time of the day with or without food. It is appropriate to take the tablet at the same time each day