There are some occasions the NHS says people should call 101 – and it also issued an alert over a drinkStatin pills are taken by patients with high cholesterol but they can bring side effectsStatin pills are taken by patients with high cholesterol – but they can bring side effects(Image: Getty)

High cholesterol is a condition which can lead to potentially lethal problems such as heart attacks and strokes. It causes serious cardiovascular issues because it causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to vital organs.

This blockage can also lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), causing pain in limbs, and contributes to high blood pressure and potential kidney issues. Medications, specifically statins, can help to avoid the issues – and it is estimated that around 7 to 8 million adults take statins, which includes atorvastatin as one of the most commonly prescribed types.

Atorvastatin is a widely used high-intensity statin but the NHS has warned that it could cause potentially dangerous side effects too and outlined what people should do if they suffer them – in some instances even dialling 999.

However it should be pointed out that most people tolerate statins well and the benefits in general far outweigh the risks – after all the conditions they prevent are potentially fatal.

On Atorvastatin the NHS says: “Like all medicines, atorvastatin can cause side effects in some people, but not everybody gets them. Different statins affect people in different ways.

“Some side effects may improve after the first few days, as your body gets used to the medicine.” If people keep taking atorvastatin cholesterol levels should drop within 4 weeks

Common side effects

The NHS says these common side effects of atorvastatin happen in more than 1 in 100 people. For tips in dealing with the side effects from the NHS click here.

  • Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion
  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sore throat
  • Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, blocked nose or sneezing
  • Constipation or breaking wind (flatulence)
  • Diarrhoea

The NHS adds: “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

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 damage
  • the 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 problems
  • you 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 multiforme
  • you have severe stomach pain – this can be a sign of acute pancreatitis
  • you have a cough, feel short of breath, and are losing weight – this can be a sign of lung disease
  • you 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

Call 999 now or go to A&E if:

  • you develop severe breathing or swallowing problems

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to atorvastatin.

Immediate action required:Call 999 now if:

  • your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
  • you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
  • your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
  • your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
  • you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
  • someone faints and cannot be woken up
  • a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Grapefruit

  • Try not to drink more than a litre of grapefruit juice a day. Too much of it can increase the level of atorvastatin in your blood. This can increase the risk of side effects.