Atorvastatin: NHS advises some people to pause the cholesterol medicine

Atorvastatin is a commonly used statin and the NHS says it can cause side effects for some people, including nosebleeds. The NHS advises that pregnant women should generally avoid taking atorvastatin.

Atorvastatin is a widely prescribed statin used to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. The NHS has reported that some people experience side effects while taking the drug. Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid atorvastatin because of potential risks to fetal development. Around 5.3 million people in England are taking some form of statin. What the NHS says: - The NHS guidance states that atorvastatin is commonly used to lower high cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. - Some patients may experience side effects while taking atorvastatin, with nosebleeds given as one example in reports. - The NHS advises that pregnant women should generally avoid atorvastatin because of potential risks to the fetus. - Advice has been reported for women who are breastfeeding or trying to conceive to discuss their medication with a clinician. Summary: The NHS message affects people who are pregnant or planning pregnancy and those taking atorvastatin long term. It also highlights that statins are widely used in England and that alternatives may be considered for some groups. For now, we'll stick to the confirmed facts.