Healthera Pharmacy App
Our NHS-approved mobile app
4.7/5

What Is Atorvastatin Used For?

Picture of Andrew Bellingham

Andrew Bellingham

Pharmacist | 20+ Years | BPharm | Dip Clin Pharm

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is a medication that belongs to a class called statins. It is typically used alongside lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise to achieve optimal results in managing cholesterol levels.

What is Atorvastatin used for?

Atorvastatin is primarily used for two main purposes:

  • Lowering Cholesterol: Atorvastatin helps to reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver and increases the breakdown and removal of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) from the bloodstream. By lowering cholesterol levels, it decreases the risk of developing heart disease.

  • Treating Cardiovascular Conditions: Atorvastatin is effective in managing cardiovascular conditions such as angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease. It helps to improve blood flow through the arteries, reducing the risk of heart-related complications.

Common Side Effects - more than 1 in 100 people

While Atorvastatin is generally well-tolerated, it may cause some common side effects, including:


If you’re experiencing one or more of these side effects and it’s making you feel uncomfortable, you should talk to your GP or pharmacist to get further advice.

Serious Side Effects - call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk now

Although rare, Atorvastatin can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent fatigue
  • Skin rash with pink or red blotches on hands or feet
  • Unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath & coughing


If you experience any of these serious side effects or have concerns about the medication, it is crucial that you call 111, visit 111.nhs.uk or call your doctor immediately and without hesitation.

Order Your Atorvastatin Online with Healthera

If you’ve been prescribed atorvastatin by your doctor, then you can use your Healthera app or website to place your order online from your local pharmacy for collection or home delivery. It only takes a couple of minutes to set up your order.

To get started, simply click the button below and choose whether you’d prefer to order through our website or app:

Order medicine online

Avoid the GP queue and order your next prescription online with Healthera.