Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Some individuals may experience muscle pain as a side effect of taking Lipitor. However, it is important to note that muscle pain is not a withdrawal symptom of Lipitor.
According to the Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, and it is now available as a generic medication. Lipitor's half-life is approximately 14 hours, meaning that it takes about 14 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association [2] found that muscle pain is a common side effect of statins, including Lipitor. The study also found that muscle pain typically occurs within the first six months of starting the medication. However, the study did not provide information on how long muscle pain may last after discontinuing the medication.
A CNN article [3] discusses a study that found that statins, including Lipitor, are generally safe and effective for reducing the risk of heart disease. The study also found that only a small percentage of individuals experience serious side effects from statins.
In conclusion, muscle pain is a common side effect of Lipitor, but it is not a withdrawal symptom. It is unclear how long muscle pain may last after discontinuing the medication. If you are experiencing muscle pain or any other side effects from Lipitor, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6019601/
[3] https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/24/health/statins-side-effects-outcomes-study/index.html