Lipitor Liver Side Effects

Some people develop liver side effects while taking Lipitor. These liver-related side effects may include hepatitis, jaundice, or an increase in liver enzymes. Nausea, stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes are common symptoms of these Lipitor liver side effects, and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately. To minimize your risk of liver problems, your doctor will likely monitor your liver enzymes before you start taking Lipitor and while you're on the drug. If your liver enzymes get too high, your doctor may recommend a lower dose of Lipitor or a different medicine.

 

Lipitor Liver Side Effects: An Overview

As with any medication, there are a number of possible side effects that can occur while taking
 Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium). Many of these side effects associated with Lipitor can affect the liver, including:
 
  • An increase in liver enzymes
     
  • Hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver that can cause tiredness or a general feeling of illness
     
  • Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes that can occur from the liver being damaged.
     
Both hepatitis and jaundice are seen in less than 2 percent of people taking Lipitor. An increase in liver enzymes is also seen in less than 2 percent of people, except in those taking the highest dose of Lipitor (Lipitor 80 mg), where Lipitor liver side effects were seen in 2.3 percent of people.
 
(Lipitor Liver Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;