The NHS has advice on its website and it’s important people don’t ignore this
12:32, 08 Sep 2026Updated 13:39, 08 Sep 2026
The NHS urges people to call 111 if “you’re taking atorvastatin and think you might be having serious side effects.”(Image: Getty)
The NHS urges people to call 111 for help if they experience certain side effects from a common medication – and never to brush it off, as it could be serious.
On its website, the health service lists several common and serious side effects of atorvastatin – and its signs you should never ignore. Atorvastatin is a “type of cholesterol-lowering medicine called a statin” which is also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
It’s only available with a prescription, and you may be prescribed with it if you have diabetes, kidney disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia. This is a condition that can cause high cholesterol.
What are the side effects of atorvastatin?
Like all medications, atorvastatin can cause side effects, with some being serious(Image: Oliver Hoffmann/Getty)
Urging people to take these side effects seriously if they experience anything, the NHS explains that atorvastatin usually comes as tablets or a liquid (oral suspension) that you swallow. How much you need to take depends on why you’re taking it.
Like all medicines, atorvastatin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The NHS says you should “keep taking this medicine, unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking it, your cholesterol levels may go up again.”
Common side effects
Common side effects of atorvastatin include:
headachedizzinessfeeling sick (nausea)digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or fartingmuscle aches and swollen jointsblocked or runny nose, or nosebleedssleep problems
Atorvastatin doesn’t usually affect your ability to drive, cycle or operate machinery. However, if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until the dizziness has passed before doing so.
You should speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. The NHS says that they “may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you’re advised to stop.”
Serious side effects
Atorvastatin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare. Possible serious side effects of atorvastatin include:
inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes – yellowed skin may be less noticeable if you have brown or black skininflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause severe stomach paininflammation and damage to the muscles, which can cause muscle cramps, severe pain and weakness – you may also have other symptoms such as a high temperature and red or brown peean allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathingCall NHS 111
Before taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have(Image: Gannet77/getty)
The NHS urges people to call 111 if “you’re taking atorvastatin and think you might be having serious side effects.”
Who can and cannot take atorvastatin?
Most adults can take atorvastatin. But it’s not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
you’ve had an allergic reaction or other serious side effects from atorvastatin or another statinyou have liver or kidney problems, or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)you or a close family member have a condition that affects the muscles, such as myasthenia gravisyou’ve had a bleed in the brainyou regularly drink a lot of alcohol
Before taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Can I take atorvastatin while breastfeeding?
You may be able to take atorvastatin while breastfeeding, but check with a doctor or pharmacist first. The NHS says that side effects in breastfed babies are rare, but speak to a healthcare professional if you’re worried about your baby.
Can I take atorvastatin while pregnant?
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Atorvastatin isn’t recommended in pregnancy because it may affect your baby’s development. If you’re planning a pregnancy, stop taking it 3 months before you start trying to conceive.
You can read more information on atorvastatin here.