Atorvastatin is a prescription drug used to reduce the risk of heart attack, and, along with diet, to lower cholesterol. Atorvastatinis the #1 prescribed drug in one of the most widely prescribed classes of cholesterol-lowering medications, called statins. Atorvastatin, along with diet, can lower your total cholesterol 29% to 45% (average effect depending on dose). Atorvastatin is shown to lower your "bad" or LDL cholesterol 39% to 60% (average effect depending on dose). In patients with multiple risk factors for heart disease, Atorvastatin has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart attack by 36%.

Atorvastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. Atorvastatin is also used to increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

With 2004 sales of US$10.9 billion, it is the best selling drug in the world.

Before taking any prescription medicine, it is important that you consult your doctor!