special offer

Generic Name: Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous (atorvastatin)

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous Reviews

Lipitor (atorvastatin) "I have hereditary high cholesterol and have taken statins on and off since I was 15 years old. My overall cholesterol at age 15 was 370. It has run as high as 460 when I wasn't taking a statin (usually Lipitor). Problem is my bowels stay messed up. I stay constipated all the time, and I suffer from anal leakage, which is highly embarrassing, and I feel like I'm constantly thinking I may smell bad. I keep baby wipes to try to keep myself clean without taking 3 showers a day. Do all statins cause this? I'm finding it harder and harder to accept and feel like just quitting statins altogether. I know that sounds foolish, but so does anal leakage."


"This drug does lower cholesterol levels. My high levels are genetic, and I have stents from a heart attack at age 64. I'm 68 now, and changing my diet has helped me feel better and lose weight, but I just can't take Lipitor for my higher-than-normal levels. The problem is the side effects. I suffer from allergies, which cause me to cough and sneeze. I also have previously suffered from colitis, which still acts up. I've been told that the drug is not related, but I've tried it for periods of about 3 to 5 months to get cholesterol levels in check. It works, but every time I take it, I feel listless and depressed. Worst of all, when I sneeze or cough from allergies, I suffer anal leakage. When I stop it, I'm okay. It's just not worth it."


"Side effects from atorvastatin meant that I stopped taking it : tendinitis in hands and ankles, muscle weakness that was debilitating. It gets better later in the day but early morning is difficult. I have high familial cholesterol about 8 (reduced via statins from 10) but the 40mg dose hasn't reduced it further and the side effects are dire for me: doc says other treatments are available but it will take 3 months to clear."


"I was put on avorastatin for high cholesterol (300) genetic history. I asked no questions. Always accept that side effects are a given and diminish as my body adjusts. Started to feel muscle aches in hips, shoulders, thighs. My knees ached. I’m a runner and I felt horrible during and after runs. I had no idea why this was occurring. It dawned on me that these symptoms started when I went on the statin. Come to find out these are common side effects. It’s like I have the flu constantly. So my advice is don’t take this drug. Sorry. I wish I could offer a positive story."


"Took this for a few months-then developed diarrhea. Quit the med and tried another statin-same effect. They both lowered my cholesterol but I was not going to wear at diaper to do it! Now I am trying a Cholesterol Inhibitor. We will see. But I have no blockages near my heart (Cat Scan) and low pressure so I am not at risk."


"This scrambled my memory as if I had Dementia but I am recovering now that I am off Atorvastatin for 8 months. Did not lower my cholesterol. Made me unable to stand up, actually collapsed outside in public. Horrible drug. Now lowering my cholesterol by special diet. (Was never overweight, had genetically high cholesterol.)"


Lipitor (atorvastatin) "I have been using this medicine for about 6 years. As a result, my cholesterol level test comes out normal."


"After two months, I have low cholesterol and triglycerides. I take 10 mg daily for 60 days."


Lipitor (atorvastatin) "Have been using it for over 10 years. No problems at a dose of 10mg. Works well when combined with Ezetrol"

More about atorvastatin

  • Check interactions
  • Compare alternatives
  • Pricing & coupons
  • Reviews (294)
  • Drug images
  • Latest FDA alerts (6)
  • Side effects
  • Dosage information
  • Patient tips
  • During pregnancy
  • Support group
  • Drug class: statins
  • Breastfeeding
  • En español

Patient resources

  • Atorvastatin drug information

Other brands

Lipitor, Atorvaliq

Professional resources

  • Atorvastatin monograph
  • Atorvastatin (FDA)

Other brands

Lipitor, Atorvaliq

Related treatment guides

  • High Cholesterol
  • High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia
  • High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous