Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it is accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Atorvastatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. You may not be able to take atorvastatin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. This means that atorvastatin will cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy.
Cholesterol is very important in the development of a baby.
Do not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether atorvastatin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Take atorvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.