There are a number of side effects that may occur if you take Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) but that is expected with any medicine. The side effects are not experienced by all users of this drug. Many individuals actually have a decent tolerance to the side effects of Lipitor as well. Usually the side effects that are experienced when taking Lipitor are minor and do not require any treatment at all. Less than two percent of Lipitor users stopped using the drug as a result of the side effects.
Common Side Effects of Lipitor
It is not very common that you will experience any side effects when using Lipitor. However, when you do it is likely that you are experiencing some of the more common side effects. These are mostly only minor issues which will go away naturally and will only cause minor discomfort to you. These common side effects include pain of the muscles, joints, headaches, sinusitis, diarrhea, and infection. The less common side effects of Lipitor include back pain, constipation, and a suppressed appetite.
Serious Side Effects of Lipitor
The more serious side effects that occur when taking Lipitor are very uncommon but some individuals may still experience them. One of the serious side effects could be severe muscle pain. While minor muscle pain is a common side effect of Lipitor, severe muscle pain is not as common.
Other serious side effects that may occur when taking Lipitor include weakness and tenderness of the muscles. This all ties in with the severe muscle pain. You may also feel sick when experiencing these side effects. If any of the serious side effects of Lipitor are noticed it is recommended that you visit a doctor immediately.
How Common Are Side Effects for Lipitor?
Side effects are rarely noticed in individuals that use Lipitor. In fact, the most common side effect which is a headache is only affected in roughly one of every six patients that use the drug. Roughly one in ten patients that take Lipitor will experience an infection from using the drug. For side effects such as muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhea, and sinusitis, approximately one in twenty users of the drug will experience them. Only 2-4% of Lipitor users will experience side effects such as back pain, stomach pain, and asthenia.
What to Watch Out For When Using Lipitor
If you are using Lipitor then there will be a few side effects that you should watch closely for. If you experience severe muscle pain then you will want to seek medical attention immediately. This is due to the fact that it may be a sign of rhabdomyolysis which is a serious condition that could cause complete breakdown of your muscles.
If you notice any symptoms of damage to your liver when taking Lipitor then you should seek medical attention as well. These liver damage symptoms may include jaundice, unusually dark urine, stomach pain, and more. Additionally, if the amount of urine you produce is increased or decreased dramatically then you will want to look further into the issue as it may be caused by a kidney condition.
Before taking Lipitor you will want to become fully informed on the drug and all the side effects that may be experienced. This article has covered all the side effects that you should know about. There are many other side effects that are extremely rare but may occur. You may want to look for a full list of Lipitor side effects so you know exactly what may occur when using the drug.
Lipitor is a fairly safe drug to use in regards to the side effects that may be experienced. Most individuals that use Lipitor will either experience no side effects at all or only experience minor side effects such as a headache or minor muscle pain. Lastly, if you experience any serious side effects when taking Lipitor you should visit your doctor as it may be a sign of a serious health issue.
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