Impact of Lipitor (Atorvastatin) on Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Use of cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor (Atorvastatin) during the preconception period?

Hello, Doctor.
I am currently in the process of trying to conceive (I have been trying for three months).
During a visit to the obstetrics and gynecology department, I found out that my cholesterol levels were extremely high, so the doctor prescribed Lipitor (Atorvastatin) 40mg for me.
I asked the doctor if this medication would affect pregnancy or if it could be taken during pregnancy, and the doctor advised me to stop taking it immediately upon discovering a pregnancy.
Since I was nearing the end of my medication and due to pandemic precautions, I did not return to my original obstetrics and gynecology clinic but instead visited a general internal medicine clinic for a diagnosis and to obtain medication.
The internal medicine doctor was surprised to hear that I was trying to conceive while taking this medication and insisted that I should stop it immediately if I wanted to continue trying to conceive.
He informed me that this is a category X medication and strongly advised against its use while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
After researching this medication online, I became increasingly anxious, especially since it is still uncertain whether I am pregnant this month.
If I do conceive this cycle, and I stopped the medication today with ovulation occurring last week, will this have any impact on the embryo? What tests can we perform to determine if the embryo is healthy? If I do not conceive this time, how long should I wait after stopping the medication before I can continue trying to conceive? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

ROSE, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/07

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If pregnancy occurs smoothly, and the ovulation period was last week after stopping the medication today, will it have any impact on the embryo? What tests can we perform to determine if the embryo is healthy? A: The extent of the impact cannot be assessed; prenatal genetic testing can screen for known genetic abnormalities.
2.
If pregnancy does not occur smoothly, how long should we avoid conception after stopping the medication before we can continue trying to conceive? A: One month after stopping the medication, it can be confirmed that the drug is completely eliminated, and you can continue trying to conceive.

Reply Date: 2020/04/07

More Info

When considering the use of Lipitor (Atorvastatin) during the preconception and pregnancy phases, it is crucial to understand the implications of this medication on both maternal health and fetal development. Atorvastatin is classified as a Category X medication by the FDA, indicating that there is clear evidence of risk to the fetus based on human and animal studies. Therefore, it is strongly advised that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant avoid using this medication.

In your case, since you have been trying to conceive for three months and have recently been prescribed Atorvastatin due to high cholesterol levels, it is understandable that you are feeling anxious about the potential effects on a developing embryo, especially if you conceive during the time you were taking the medication. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that if you become pregnant while on Atorvastatin, it is essential to stop the medication immediately. The potential risks associated with its use during pregnancy include teratogenic effects, which can lead to congenital abnormalities in the fetus.

If you have already stopped taking Atorvastatin and are concerned about the possibility of having conceived during the time you were on the medication, it is important to note that the exact impact on the embryo cannot be definitively assessed without further medical evaluation. The timing of your ovulation and conception relative to when you stopped the medication will play a role in determining any potential risks. However, some studies suggest that the risks may be lower if the medication was discontinued before conception.

To monitor the health of the embryo, there are several prenatal tests that can be conducted once pregnancy is confirmed. These may include:
1. Ultrasound: An early ultrasound can help confirm the viability of the pregnancy and check for any obvious abnormalities.

2. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): This blood test can assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the fetus.

3. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or Amniocentesis: These invasive procedures can provide definitive information about genetic conditions but carry some risk of miscarriage.

If you do not conceive this cycle, it is generally recommended to wait at least one menstrual cycle after stopping Atorvastatin before trying to conceive again. This allows the medication to be fully cleared from your system and minimizes any potential risks to a future pregnancy.

In conclusion, while the use of Atorvastatin during the preconception and pregnancy phases poses significant risks, immediate cessation of the medication is crucial if pregnancy occurs. Regular prenatal care and appropriate testing can help monitor the health of the embryo. If you have further concerns or questions, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine for personalized guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Pregnancy and Cholesterol Medications: Safety Concerns and Guidelines

Hello: I have been taking a lipid-lowering medication (Atorvastatin) for about eight months, one tablet every evening. I recently discovered that it is classified as a Category X drug, and I have the following questions: First, I have a one-year-old baby who has been exclusively ...

Dr. Liao Lingmei reply Pharmacology
Hello, Atorva is classified as a Category X medication, which generally poses risks of adverse effects on the fetus in both animal and human studies. You should discuss this with your obstetrician. There are still risks regarding its impact on the baby, and it is advisable to dis...

Managing Cholesterol: When to Medicate and Considerations for Pregnancy

Hello, doctor. I am 34 years old. In my 2018 health check-up report, my cholesterol was 232 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was 159. My father has hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. In 2023, I briefly took Lipitor for one month, during which my cholesterol dropped to 1...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, Sasa: The total cholesterol level for the general population should be kept below 200 mg/dL, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol below 130 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol should be maintained above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women....

Do Medications Affect Fetal Development During Conception?

Hello, doctor. May I ask if a male taking the following medications could affect the fetus during conception? The medications are: 1. Aspirin (cardiovascular medication) 2. Clopidogrel (cardiovascular medication) 3. Rosuvastatin (cholesterol medication) 4. Amlodipine (blood press...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
In the case of males taking medication, the following drugs are considered: 1. Aspirin (cardiovascular medication) 2. Clopidogrel (cardiovascular medication) 3. Rosuvastatin (cholesterol medication) 4. Amlodipine (antihypertensive medication). Answer: There will be no impact on t...

Managing Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Medication Effects and Women's Health

Hello Dr. Wu, Recently, I discovered that my heart rate was particularly fast while measuring my blood oxygen levels, and I also found that my blood pressure was quite high, which prompted me to start monitoring it. After measuring for a month, I noticed that my blood pressure ...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
1. If planning for pregnancy, it is important to choose antihypertensive medications that will not affect fetal development. 2. In addition to medication, controlling blood pressure and lipid levels is also very important through diet and exercise.