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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dark Urine While On Atorvastatin?

For about a year I have noticed I have dark colored urine. My cardiologist orders blood work including lipid levels and liver function tests and all are within normal limits. I take atorvastatin 20mg daily. Could the statin be the reason for the dark urine?Sorry, although I read the Terms and Conditions, I did not realize that there was a charge for the answer to the first question I submitted. I will take my concerns to my family doctor and will get an earlier appointment there instead of waiting for my next quarterly visit. My apologies to Dr. Rynne for any time he spent reviewing my question. Arlene
Tue, 8 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern.
Dark urine could be due to Atorvastatin.
The most common side effects of Atorvastatin is myopathy (muscle damage) and inflammation of the liver. Usually Atorvastatin induced myopathy causes muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. Very rarely, if myopathy occurs and the drugs are not stopped, a very dangerous condition, called “rhabdomyolysis” (breakdown of muscle protein) which results in myoglobinuria (excretion of muscle protein in the urine) can occur that can cause dark colored urine and can sometimes be fatal due to decreased kidney function.
I advise you to get the urine analysis and CK enzyme to be done then consult your treating doctor.
A feed back is appreciated.
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What Causes Dark Urine While On Atorvastatin?

Hi & Welcome. I can understand your concern. Dark urine could be due to Atorvastatin. The most common side effects of Atorvastatin is myopathy (muscle damage) and inflammation of the liver. Usually Atorvastatin induced myopathy causes muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. Very rarely, if myopathy occurs and the drugs are not stopped, a very dangerous condition, called “rhabdomyolysis” (breakdown of muscle protein) which results in myoglobinuria (excretion of muscle protein in the urine) can occur that can cause dark colored urine and can sometimes be fatal due to decreased kidney function. I advise you to get the urine analysis and CK enzyme to be done then consult your treating doctor. A feed back is appreciated.