Pharmacist 'prompt medical attention' alert to anyone taking atorvastatin

Pharmacist 'prompt medical attention' alert to anyone taking atorvastatin It is taken by millions of Brits, but can have rare but servere side-effects Atorvastatin is a widely taken medication used to treat high cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Widely known by its brand name Lipitor, more than 5million people were taking it in 20204, up from 4.2million the previous year. Up to eight million people in the UK are estimated to take a statin of one form or another. The NHS says that, 'like all medicines, atorvastatin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them'. This message was echoed by pharmacist Raj Patel. Known as Pharmacist Health Raj on social media, he explained that some side-effects can be severe, and you need to 'report it, review it, then decide what happens with your healthcare professional' if you suffer from them. However, he added that people need to 'keep them in perspective' and, just becuase you have a medical issue, it does not mean it was caused by atorvastatin. He said: "If you've read the atorvastatin leaflet inside and suddenly worried about all the side-effects listed, for more than 35 years in the pharmacy game, here's how I would take those risks and put them into perspective. "Most people taking atorvastatin tolerate it well, but side-effects can still happen. Some people report things like headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, or muscle and joint pain." 'Speak to your pharmacist or prescriber' Mr Patel continued: "Here's the important part - a symptom appearing while taking atorvastatin doesn't automatically prove that the statin caused it. Timing matters, other medicines matter, and other health problems can matter too. If a new symptom is persistent, troublesome, or started after beginning atorvastatin or increasing the dose, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber. "Here are some symptoms you should take more seriously: Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness - particularly if severe or your urine is darker. This needs prompt medical attention. Yellowing of your skin or eyes can be a sign of a severe liver problem. This needs urgent assessment too. "My pharmacist tip is, don't ignore a possible side-effect, but don't diagnose yourself from the leaflet either. Report it, review it, then decide what happens with your healthcare professional." Common side-effects The NHS says that common side-effects of atorvastatin include: - headache - dizziness - feeling sick (nausea) - digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting - muscle aches and swollen joints - blocked or runny nose, or nosebleeds - sleep problems Serious side-effects More serious side-effects are rare. However, they can 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 skin - inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause severe stomach pain - inflammation 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 pee - an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing How does it work? Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medications known as statins, which are prescribed to help regulate cholesterol and lipids (fats) in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, produced by the liver. It’s used to make hormones, help build new tissue, and has a role in the production of bile. The amount of cholesterol found in the blood can also be affected by the food we eat and various lifestyle factors. There are two types of cholesterol; Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol which is also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol which is also known as ‘good’ cholesterol. HDL cholesterol keeps the heart and circulation healthy, and carries LDL back to the liver to be broken down. LDL cholesterol can cause hardening of the arteries which can eventually lead to more serious health conditions if left untreated. Atorvastatin helps to decrease LDL cholesterol levels, and increase HDL cholesterol. Ensure our latest health headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings