atorvastatin

Brand names: Atorvastatin calcium

# Understanding Atorvastatin Atorvastatin is a medication that helps lower cholesterol levels in your blood. High cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Doctors prescribe atorvastatin to reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while helping to raise "good" cholesterol (HDL). It works by slowing down the production of cholesterol in your body. Many people take this medication as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a heart-healthy diet. Before taking atorvastatin, it's important to know some safety information. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, since some drugs can interact with atorvastatin and cause serious side effects. For example, certain antibiotics like rifampin can reduce how well atorvastatin works, and grapefruit juice can make too much of the drug build up in your system. If you take birth control pills, atorvastatin may increase their levels in your body, so discuss this with your doctor. The medication is generally safe for most people, but your doctor will monitor you to make sure it's working properly and not causing any problems.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of atorvastatin calcium with other drugs or grapefruit juice that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis ( 2.5 , 7.1 ). Rifampin: May reduce atorvastatin plasma concentrations. Administer simultaneously with atorvastatin calcium ( 7.2 ). Oral Contraceptives: May increase plasma levels of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol; consider this effect when selecting an oral contraceptive (7.3 ). Digoxin: May increase digoxin plasma levels; monitor patients appropriately ( 7.3 ). 7.1 Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Atorvastatin Calcium Atorvastatin is a substrate of CYP3A4 and transporters (e.g., OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, or BCRP). Atorvastatin plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and transporters. Table 2 includes a list of drugs that may increase exposure to atorvastatin and may increase

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • FATIGUE13,960 reports
  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE13,022 reports
  • NAUSEA12,577 reports
  • TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS11,265 reports
  • DYSPNOEA11,156 reports
  • DIARRHOEA11,140 reports
  • PAIN10,162 reports
  • DIZZINESS9,876 reports
  • MYALGIA9,874 reports
  • HEADACHE9,765 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with atorvastatin:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.