Lipitor Side Effects List

If you have high cholesterol you may be prescribed Lipitor. Lipitor is an effective cholesterol lowering medication which helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately as with all drugs Lipitor has side effects. However normally Lipitor side effects are minor and do not cause serious problems. In some cases Lipitor side effects may be more severe. Severe Lipitor side effects needs urgent medical attention.

Lipitor, also called atorvastatin, is a drug used to lower high cholesterol levels. Lipitor works by reducing both LDL and total cholesterol levels. If you have a high LDL cholesterol level, the excess LDL will attach to arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow through the body. The result of this is increased blood pressure and a higher chance of stroke and heart attack. Lipitor is given to individuals with high blood cholesterol levels, but is not suitable for pregnant women or those with liver problems.

If you are worried about Lipitor side effects you should talk to your doctor who may suggest alternative medications or else put your mind at ease. If you are taking Lipitor and notice any of the side effects mentioned in this article consult your doctor.

Lipitor does not normally cause side effects, but the majority that do occur are minor. Here are some minor Lipitor side effects:-

GI complaints such as nausea, stomach cramps, bloating heartburn and constipation

Other Lipitor side effects include headache and stuffy nose

If you are suffering from any of these complaints you should tell your doctor

Severe Lipitor side effects do occur, although they are not very common. If you find that you have any of the side effects listed below you need to see your doctor urgently. Serious Lipitor side effects include:-

Severe allergic reactions including skin rashes, hives, facial or tongue swelling and accompanying fever

Muscle pain or weakness (statins in general sometimes cause muscle pain as indicated by a high blood Creatine kinase level)

Chest pain, nausea, tiredness

Unusual bruising, bleeding or yellowing of the skin (may indicate liver damage)

This is a wide range of side effects but if you notice any of these while taking Lipitor, please see your doctor urgently