Lipitor is a commonly prescribed medication for reducing cholesterol levels in the body. The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin, which works by inhibiting an enzyme that is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver [1]. While Lipitor is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience muscle pain or weakness as a side effect of taking the medication [2].
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, muscle pain and weakness are the most commonly reported side effects of statins, including Lipitor [3]. The study also found that the incidence of muscle-related side effects was higher in people who were taking higher doses of statins or who were taking multiple medications in addition to statins.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that Lipitor or other statins can hinder muscle stretching. In fact, regular exercise and stretching can be beneficial for people who are taking statins, as it can help to reduce muscle pain and improve overall muscle function [2].
If you are experiencing muscle pain or weakness while taking Lipitor, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication to help alleviate your symptoms [2].
Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch. Lipitor. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] Harvard Health Publishing. Managing statin muscle pain. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/managing-statin-muscle-pain
[3] Thompson PD, Panza G, Zaleski A, Taylor B. Statin-associated side effects. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2016;10(3):S18-S23. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2016.01.120. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3463373/