Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It is a type of statin drug that works by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. While Lipitor is generally considered safe and effective, it can cause side effects, including muscle pain.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [3], muscle pain is a common side effect of statin drugs like Lipitor. In the study, researchers found that nearly 20% of patients taking statins reported muscle pain, and about 10% discontinued the medication because of it. However, the study also found that the benefits of statins in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke outweighed the risks of muscle pain for most patients.
The Mayo Clinic [2] notes that muscle pain is one of the most common side effects of statin drugs like Lipitor. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe muscle damage, known as rhabdomyolysis. While rhabdomyolysis is rare, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
It is important to note that muscle pain from Lipitor is not always long-term. In most cases, the pain goes away once the medication is discontinued. However, some patients may experience long-term muscle pain or weakness, especially if they continue to take the medication.
In conclusion, muscle pain is a known side effect of Lipitor and other statin drugs. While the risk of muscle pain is relatively low, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential side effect and to report any symptoms to their healthcare provider. Most cases of muscle pain from Lipitor are not long-term, but in rare cases, the pain may persist even after discontinuing the medication. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before stopping or changing any medication regimen.
Sources:
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021, January 12). Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
[3] Thompson, P. D., Panza, G., Zaleski, A., Taylor, B., & Statin Muscle Safety Task Force, International Atherosclerosis Society. (2021). Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms: Elevating Patient Care. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 78(8), 834–845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.06.032
[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Lipitor - Tradename Details. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR