What it is used for

High cholesterol
Preventing heart attacks and strokes in people at higher risk, including people with diabetes or kidney disease
After a heart attack or stroke

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Atorvastatin is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Atorvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which the body uses to make cholesterol. Lower production means the liver removes more LDL ("bad") cholesterol from the blood. Statins also help stabilise fatty deposits in arteries.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Atorvastatin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

headache
muscle aches
feeling sick
indigestion
diarrhoea or constipation
cold-like symptoms

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with a high temperature or dark pee
yellowing of the skin or eyes
severe stomach pain

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice.
Tell your doctor about muscle pain. It is often not caused by the statin, but it should be checked.
Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.