People in Ireland taking a widely prescribed cholesterol medicine need to recognise the warning signs of a rare complication
Atorvastatin may not always be suitable(Image: Getty Images)
Atorvastatin is widely used in Ireland and in many other countries to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. But while patients may be familiar with possible muscle-related side effects, pharmacist Dr Philip Crilly has drawn attention to a little-known risk that “can be serious”.
In a recent TikTok video, Dr Crilly – who has hundreds of followers and thousands of likes – said: “Most people know about the muscle problems with statins but there’s another side effect I don’t talk about nearly as often.” He went on to identify the complication and explain what patients should watch for.
“Liver problems. They’re rare but they can be serious. Things to look out for include yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes or unusually dark urine,” he said.
Atorvastatin is regularly prescribed to treat high cholesterol in the blood(Image: Getty Images)
The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland confirms that serious side effects from statins are rare, but advises people taking them to contact their GP urgently if their skin or the whites of their eyes turn yellow, their urine becomes dark or their stools become pale. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may indicate a problem affecting the liver.
Dr Crilly also reflected on how medicine-related risks are discussed with patients, saying: “If I’m talking to somebody taking a statin, the serious side effect I’d most likely emphasise is the muscle pain and weakness.” His wider message was that people should understand which warning signs matter rather than being overwhelmed by every possible side effect.
The HSE also advises people taking statins to seek urgent medical attention for unexplained muscle pain, weakness or cramping, particularly when accompanied by a high temperature. Anyone experiencing possible serious side effects should contact their GP urgently for advice.
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People should not change their treatment without seeking professional advice, as statins can play an important role in preventing serious cardiovascular problems. A doctor or pharmacist can assess symptoms and help decide whether treatment needs to be reviewed.
The warning is not a reason for everyone taking atorvastatin to become alarmed, as serious liver complications are uncommon. However, knowing the symptoms and acting promptly if they appear can help ensure that potential problems are assessed without a moment of delay.