With the rising popularity of prescription drugs that claim to lower and/or control cholesterol, it is important to know the potential side effects of the drugs before you start taking them. One of these drugs is called Lipitor, and like other cholesterol drugs, it also has side effects.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects reported for Lipitor included headache, infections, muscle pain, diarrhea, joint pain, inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis), and accidental injury. The most common was headache, which affects up to 16.7 percent of people who take the drug.

Secondary Side Effects

Two to 4 percent of people who take Lipitor reported other side effects like an unexplained rash, abdominal/stomach pain, the flu, general feelings of weakness, allergic reaction, constipation, back pain, and sore throat.

Rare Side Effects

Less than 2 percent of people taking this drug were observed experiencing side effects including but not limited to lack of appetite, intestinal ulcer, bloody nose, asthma, depression, memory loss or amnesia, impotence, hair loss, ringing of the ears, high blood pressure, and weight gain.

Dangerous Side Effects You Should Report

If you experience such side effects as yellowing of the eyes or skin (which can be signs of liver damage), or a significant, unexplained change in the amount of urine you are producing (as this can be a sign of kidney problems), you should contact your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible.

Should you avoid Lipitor?

While it may appear that Lipitor can be the cause of many unfortunate and unwanted side effects, studies have shown that fewer than 2 percent of people taking the drug stop taking it due to side effects

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Lipitor Side Effects and Information