Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families
Shop for Plans

Shop for Plans
Shop for your own coverage
Medical Dental Other Supplemental
Plans through your employer

Learn about the medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral, and voluntary benefits your employer may offer.

Explore coverage through work
Learn
How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics
Looking for Medicare coverage?
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library atorvastatin

atorvastatin

Pronunciation: a TOR va sta tin

Brand: Lipitor

Lipitor

slide 1 of 49, Lipitor,

10 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 155, 10

Image of Lipitor
slide 1 of 49

Lipitor

slide 2 of 49, Lipitor,

20 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 156, 20

Image of Lipitor
slide 2 of 49

Lipitor

slide 3 of 49, Lipitor,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 157, 40

Image of Lipitor
slide 3 of 49

Lipitor

slide 4 of 49, Lipitor,

80 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Lipitor
slide 4 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 5 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 5 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 6 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 6 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 7 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 7 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 8 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with HLA 10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 8 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 9 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with HLA 20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 9 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 10 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with HLA 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 10 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 11 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with HLA 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 11 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 12 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, A10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 12 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 13 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 13 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 14 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, round, white, imprinted with 1

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 14 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 15 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with 2

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 15 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 16 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, round, white, imprinted with 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 16 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 17 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RDY, 121

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 17 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 18 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RDY, 122

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 18 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 19 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with RDY, 123

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 19 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 20 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RDY, 124

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 20 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 21 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 155, 10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 21 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 22 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 156, 20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 22 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 23 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 157, 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 23 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 24 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 24 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 25 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, A10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 25 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 26 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 26 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 27 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 27 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 28 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 28 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 29 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, A10

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 29 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 30 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV20

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 30 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 31 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 31 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 32 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 32 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 33 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, round, white, imprinted with 2

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 33 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 34 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, round, white, imprinted with 40

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 34 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 35 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, round, white, imprinted with 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 35 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 36 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX12

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 36 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 37 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX828

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 37 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 38 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX829

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 38 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 39 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with RX830

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 39 of 49

Lipitor

slide 40 of 49, Lipitor,

80 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Lipitor
slide 40 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 41 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with APO, ATV 80

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 41 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 42 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5056

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 42 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 43 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

20 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5059

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 43 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 44 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5058

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 44 of 49

Atorvastatin Calcium

slide 45 of 49, Atorvastatin Calcium,

80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV, 5057

Image of Atorvastatin Calcium
slide 45 of 49

Lipitor

slide 46 of 49, Lipitor,

10 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 155, 10

Image of Lipitor
slide 46 of 49

Lipitor

slide 47 of 49, Lipitor,

20 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with PD 156, 20

Image of Lipitor
slide 47 of 49

Lipitor

slide 48 of 49, Lipitor,

40 mg, oval, white, imprinted with PD 157, 40

Image of Lipitor
slide 48 of 49

Lipitor

slide 49 of 49, Lipitor,

80 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with PD 158, 80

Image of Lipitor
slide 49 of 49
What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin?

What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin?

You should not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

 What is atorvastatin?

What is atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.

Atorvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Atorvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

 What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin?

You should not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver disease.

Do not use if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while you are taking atorvastatin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver problems;
  • muscle pain or weakness;
  • kidney disease;
  • diabetes;
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Atorvastatin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.

How should I take atorvastatin?

How should I take atorvastatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Do not break an atorvastatin tablet before taking it, unless your doctor has told you to.

You may need to stop using atorvastatin for a short time if you have:

  • uncontrolled seizures;
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
  • severely low blood pressure;
  • a severe infection or illness; or
  • surgery or a medical emergency.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and you may need frequent blood tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Atorvastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

 What happens if I overdose?

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

 What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin?

What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or atorvastatin will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

Grapefruit may interact with atorvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter of grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin.

 What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?

What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
  • trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
  • liver problems --upper stomach pain, weakness, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
  • kidney problems --little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • joint pain;
  • stuffy nose, sore throat;
  • diarrhea; or
  • pain in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

 What other drugs will affect atorvastatin?

What other drugs will affect atorvastatin?

Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • other cholesterol-lowering medication;
  • antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
  • birth control pills;
  • medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;
  • heart medication; or
  • medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect atorvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

 Where can I get more information?

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about atorvastatin.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About The Cigna Group Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details