Muscle aches (or pain) are relatively common side effects of Lipitor occurring in up to 5.6 percent of people taking the drug in clinical studies. Muscle aches are more common when people first start taking Lipitor (or when the Lipitor dosage is increased). For most people taking Lipitor, muscle aches occur without any other more serious muscle-related symptoms.Very rarely, people develop a serious problem with their muscles while on Lipitor, and muscle aches can be one symptom of such serious problems.
Two serious muscle problems that are rarely seen in people taking Lipitor are myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is very serious because it can lead to muscle breakdown, which can cause the kidneys to stop working properly (acute kidney failure).
If you are taking Lipitor and develop muscle aches, weakness, tenderness, or pain (especially if you also have a fever or feel ill), call your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign that you have a serious condition that needs treatment right away.
For people taking Lipitor, muscle aches can be a common problem, especially during the initial months of treatment or when the Lipitor dosage is increased. Unfortunately, it is not possible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop this side effect if you have never taken Lipitor. If muscle aches do become a problem while you are taking Lipitor, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to give you other suggestions for dealing with muscle aches. If the muscle aches continue, he or she may recommend adjusting the Lipitor dosage or switching to another cholesterol medication.
Also, if muscle aches, weakness, pain, or tenderness occur, accompanied by a fever or feeling of sickness, it can mean there is a serious problem. Call your healthcare provider immediately.
