Atorvastatin: Its effects on liver - High Cholesterol Message Board

fwa1981 · 03-24-2004, 11:03 PM

Hello,

I have been on atorvastatin 20mg (generic name for lipitor) for over a month now. Before starting my total cholesterol was over 200 but now its 161; this is amazing as i have not really restricted my dietary intake. However, one area of concern has been the effects of the drug on my liver; i had ALT 53 before starting and now it is 88. This is of special concern to me because i have had a fatty liver and had taken drugs for well over 2-3 months which helped normalise the liver indicators. Now i want to ask what should i do now? Should i stop taking atorvastatin alotogether? or should i half its doasage? I am really concerned about my liver. Please help me out. Thanks

JacquelineL · 03-25-2004, 01:57 AM

In tests, 2.5 mg of Lipitor reduced cholesterol 25% and 10 mg only added another 14% reduction. It seems that many people would do fine with a smaller dose and have less chance of side effects. I cut my Zocor pills in half and saw little change in cholesterol levels in the latest test.

Brendap · 03-25-2004, 05:15 AM

I agree with JacquelineL. I was on 20 mgs. of Lipitor, and it produced elevated ALT levels. When I cut the pills in half and only took 10 mgs., my cholesterol level remained as low as it did on 20 mgs. (184 range) and my ALT level returned to within a normal range.

zip2play · 03-25-2004, 07:19 AM

fwa,

I think a drop to 10 mg is advisable....it's amazing how much cholesterol control you still get.

Anyhoo,
Lipitor is recommended withdrawn if the ALT is raised to 3 times the upper normal limit (like to 150 or 180?.) I think you have some wiggle room. Keep an eye on it though.

fwa1981 · 03-25-2004, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip2play

fwa,

I think a drop to 10 mg is advisable....it's amazing how much cholesterol control you still get.

Anyhoo,
Lipitor is recommended withdrawn if the ALT is raised to 3 times the upper normal limit (like to 150 or 180?.) I think you have some wiggle room. Keep an eye on it though.

Thanks for the tip. I will now cut my dosage to half and monitor its impact on ALT.