Atorvastatin is a type of statin used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer and Steven Smith Content Editor
11:56, 05 Jul 2026Updated 12:00, 05 Jul 2026
There are side effects to be aware of(Image: clubfoto via Getty Images)
The NHS has issued guidance to patients taking a widely prescribed medication regarding the risk of “serious” side effects. Those currently on atorvastatin are being urged to take care when combining it with other medicines.
Atorvastatin is a type of statin that works by reducing cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. It is commonly prescribed to patients with high blood cholesterol in order to lower the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Your GP may also recommend atorvastatin if you have a family history of heart disease, or a long-term health condition such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
However, as with all medications, it is essential to follow official guidance on how to take it safely. On its website, the NHS highlights a number of “cautions with other medicines”.
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This means patients must ensure it is safe to take atorvastatin alongside other drugs and supplements.
The NHS said: “Some medicines can affect the way atorvastatin works and can increase the chances of you having serious side effects, such as muscle damage.”
It clarified that you must therefore inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin or fusidic acidAntifungals such as ketoconazole, voriconazole or fluconazoleSome HIV medicinesSome hepatitis C medicinesWarfarin, a medicine to help prevent blood clotsCiclosporin, a medicine for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritisColchicine, a medicine for goutContraceptive pills, such as the combined pillVerapamil, diltiazem or amlodipine, medicines for high blood pressure and heart problemsAmiodarone, a medicine that helps if you have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
Should you be taking atorvastatin alongside any of these medications, your doctor may consider the following options:
Prescribe a lower dose of atorvastatinPrescribe a different statin medicineRecommend that you stop taking atorvastatin for a while
This list does not cover every medication that could interfere with how atorvastatin functions. “For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet or check with your pharmacist”, the NHS advised.
The health service also recommended that anyone taking atorvastatin who is considering using St John’s wort supplements or CoQ10 should first seek guidance from their doctor or pharmacist.
Common side effects
These common side effects of atorvastatin occur in more than one in 100 people:
Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestionHeadachesNosebleedsSore throatCold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, blocked nose or sneezingConstipation or farting (flatulence)Diarrhoea
The NHS added: “Drinking a lot of alcohol regularly increases the chance of you having side effects with atorvastatin, and liver problems. If you think that atorvastatin is causing side effects and they’re making you want to stop taking it, talk to your doctor first.
“They may be caused by another problem and not the medicine. Your doctor may suggest lowering your dose or changing your medicine.”
Serious side effects
You should stop taking atorvastatin and call a doctor or call 111 straight away if:
You get unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps – these can be signs of muscle breakdown and kidney damageThe whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin, or if you have pale poo and dark pee – these can be signs of liver problemsYou get a skin rash with pink or red blotches, especially on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet – this could be a sign of erythema multiformeYou have severe stomach pain – this can be a sign of acute pancreatitisYou have a cough, feel short of breath, and are losing weight – this can be a sign of lung diseaseYou have a weakness in your arms or legs that gets worse after activity, or if you get double vision, drooping eyelids, problems swallowing or shortness of breath – these can be a sign of myasthenia gravis
For more information, visit the NHS website here.