Here's what you need to know about the potential side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor), a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol. Lipitor is used to treat high cholesterol. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. Atorvastatin Tablets Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) is a medicine that treats high cholesterol. It works by causing your liver to make less cholesterol. People take atorvastatin to lower their risk of a stroke or heart attack. For the best results, exercise and eat healthy while taking atorvastatin. Learn about LIPITOR® (atorvastatin calcium), a prescription medication that may help your condition. Read the Important Safety Information. Description Atorvastatin is used together with a proper diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fats) levels in the blood. This medicine may help prevent medical problems (eg, chest pain, heart attack, or stroke) that are caused by fats clogging the blood vessels. It may also be used to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel problems in patients with risk factors for heart. Like all medicines, atorvastatin can cause side effects in some people, but not everybody gets them. Different statins affect people in different ways. Some side effects may improve after the first few days, as your body gets used to the medicine. Common side effects These common side effects of atorvastatin happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with. Lipitor (atorvastatin) is used to treat high cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems. Learn about side effects, generic, dosage, uses, and more. Atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor among others, is a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and to treat abnormal lipid levels. [6] For the prevention of cardiovascular disease, statins are a first-line treatment in reducing cholesterol. [6] It is taken by mouth. [6] Common side effects may include diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, muscle pain. Find patient medical information for Atorvastatin (Lipitor, Atorvaliq) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Lipitor is a prescription medicine used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications. Learn about dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, and more.