Side effects of cholesterol pills vary depending on the medication and the person’s health status. With statins such as atorvastatin, commonly discussed side effects include muscle pain, fatigue, headache, digestive complaints, and elevated liver enzymes. Most side effects are mild, but rare serious conditions such as severe muscle injury may occur. Unexpected symptoms should be discussed with a physician. Cholesterol medication should not be stopped without medical advice, because discontinuing therapy may increase cardiovascular risk again.