This medicine is available as: atorvastatin 10 mg tablets, atorvastatin 20 mg tablets, atorvastatin 40 mg tablet, 80 mg tablets. The original brand name of atorvastatin was Lipitor, and now it is also available as a generic. Generic version: Lipitor is available in a generic form called atorvastatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Atorvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Lipitor and a generic. There's also a liquid form that only comes as brand name Atorvaliq. It's possible to have side effects like muscle pain, joint pain, and stomach upset. Most times, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is taken along with a heart-healthy diet to get the most benefits from treatment. Atorvastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). Improving your cholesterol. Generic Name: atorvastatin. Drug Class: statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, lipid -lowering agents. What is atorvastatin (Lipitor), and what is it used for? Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a type of statin that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. 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. [7]. For the prevention of cardiovascular disease, statins are a first-line treatment in reducing cholesterol. [7]. It is taken by mouth. [7] Doctors commonly prescribe statins like Lipitor because of their ability to lower cholesterol levels and risks of cardiovascular events. Patients should closely follow the instructions included on the prescription label to ensure the effectiveness of the medicine. 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. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both statins that lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people at increased cardiovascular risk. Atorvastatin belongs to the group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, and this reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.