As the most commonly prescribed drug in England last year, a pharmacist has explained the key side effect of atorvastatin that requires medical attention and when patients should contact their GPSteven Smith Content Editor and Ambarish Awale Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer
12:40, 17 Jan 2026
A leading pharmacist warns that atorvastatin, England’s most dispensed medication last year, has a key side effect(Image: samael334 via Getty Images)
Given that atorvastatin was the most frequently dispensed medication in England last year, a leading pharmacist has highlighted one critical side effect that shouldn’t be overlooked, whilst also addressing common myths surrounding the drug’s effectiveness in lowering cholesterol.
The British Heart Foundation reports that roughly eight million Britons are currently on statins annually, with figures steadily climbing, which means community pharmacists are seeing growing numbers of patients seeking guidance about early adverse reactions and proper usage.
Superintendent Pharmacist Peter Thnoia, from NHS -registered pharmacy PillTime, has offered expert guidance on the most typical initial responses to atorvastatin, when individuals should seek medical attention and how long it takes before they can expect to witness meaningful changes in their cholesterol levels, reports the Mirror.
What is the most common side effect of atorvastatin that patients shouldn’t ignore?
Peter said: “Some side effects of atorvastatin may settle after the first few days as the body adjusts. However, muscle pain that does not ease remains the key early side effect to watch out for, especially if it worsens or begins to affect larger muscle groups.
Peter said persistent muscle pain is the main side effect of atorvastatin to watch.(Image: m-gucci via Getty Images)
“This discomfort can range from mild to increasingly severe, but both cases should be taken seriously and prompt patients to contact their GP surgery. The patient information leaflet that is provided alongside the atorvastatin prescription refers to this as myopathy, which essentially means muscle pain, so it’s important that patients familiarise themselves with the side effects listed in this leaflet.”
“When pain becomes significant enough to limit physical activity, it may indicate that an alternative treatment to atorvastatin is needed. In some severe cases, atorvastatin can lead to damage to the muscle fibre, so it’s important that muscle pain that increases in pain, or does not go away, is flagged with your GP or prescriber. Your GP may request blood tests to establish what is happening and whether atorvastatin is a good fit or if an alternative treatment is needed.”
Does atorvastatin have any positive effects such as changes to cholesterol?
Peter explained: “Patients can expect to see a significant drop in cholesterol levels in the blood after about four weeks, which a blood test can confirm. If a blood test isn’t available from your NHS GP to confirm this, then private testing is also an option.
“Whilst patients can expect a significant drop in cholesterol levels in the blood within the first four weeks, it takes much longer for the body to reap the benefits of this.
“It takes time for your body to adjust to the medication and to the lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Over several months to years, lower cholesterol will mean there’s less fatty plaque building up in the arteries, so blood flows easier around the body.
“Gradually over time, and with the right healthy lifestyle adaptations, patients will feel more energised and alert.
“However, because the benefits are subtle and build over time, it can be really beneficial to have a blood test to check the cholesterol levels in the body, so that patients know whether or not the treatment is working and worth continuing.”
How does atorvastatin compare with other statins when it comes to tolerability?
As the start of the new year might encourage patients to review their medication choices, Peter has provided advice on tolerability for those considering switching to atorvastatin: “As with any medicine, tolerance is often down to individual patients and their personal circumstances, as well as how side effects are managed.
Peter said tolerance to atorvastatin varies by patient and how side effects are managed.(Image: Anastasiia Krivenok via Getty Images)
“Tolerance to atorvastatin varies from person to person, and there is no single factor that reliably predicts how someone will respond. If the first month of treatment passes without issues, it’s likely that most people can continue taking the medication without difficulty.
“The key here is to make sure that patients are familiar with the side effects listed within the patient medication leaflet and that they flag any concerns with their GP, so that side effects are monitored and managed.”
Peter Thnoia, Superintendent Pharmacist at NHS-registered pharmacy PillTime and a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council, brings over a quarter of a century’s worth of pharmacy expertise to his role.