Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent heart disease. While it is generally well-tolerated, some people experience muscle weakness or pain as a side effect. The exact mechanism by which Lipitor affects muscle strength is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the medication's ability to lower levels of a substance called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the body [2].

CoQ10 is an important nutrient that helps cells produce energy. It is particularly important for muscle cells, which require a lot of energy to function properly. When levels of CoQ10 are reduced, muscle cells may not have enough energy to function properly, leading to weakness and pain [3].

While muscle weakness and pain are relatively rare side effects of Lipitor, they can be a cause for concern for some patients. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may recommend reducing your dose of Lipitor, switching to a different medication, or taking a CoQ10 supplement to help support muscle function [1, 3].

In summary, Lipitor can affect muscle strength by reducing levels of CoQ10 in the body. While muscle weakness and pain are relatively rare side effects, they can be a cause for concern for some patients. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor about potential solutions [2, 3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3463373/
[3] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/statins-giving-you-achy-muscles-ask-your-doctor-about-these-4-potential-fixes/