Atorvastatin should not be given to patients with acute liver disease or unexplained persistently raised serum-aminotransferase concentrations. It should be avoided during pregnancy since there is a possibility that it could interfere with fetal sterol synthesis; there have been a few reports of congenital abnormalities associated with statins. It should be discontinued if marked or persistent increases in serum-amino transferases or creatine phosphokinase concentrations occur. It should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.