Atorvastatin and Pain: What Users Say

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2020

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "After taking Lipitor for a few weeks, I developed pain in both my legs, arms, and shoulders. After three months, all my muscles were heavy and underpowered. I could hardly exercise. I stopped taking Lipitor, and some three months later, I am nearly back to normal! Don’t take these drugs because it defeats the object. You need to exercise to reduce cholesterol, however, these drugs prevent you from doing so!"

• Ros...
• April 1, 2019

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "5 urgent care and 2 ER trips, and no one related the Lipitor to my pains. I had bad muscle cramps everywhere. Muscle cramps causing pain in glute muscles that had me in physical therapy. Itching and tingling on face and extremities. Also pain in various muscles that concludes with lasting aches and difficulty with motion. Fatigue too. Been on for over a year then looked up side effects and called my doctor. Took statin-specific blood test and have to have test to see if my muscle fibers have broken down. I'm a walking side effect commercial...and it's not fun."

• WJV...
• January 27, 2020

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "I took Lipitor for three weeks. Three days into the treatment, I had left knee and hip pain. I continued to take it for another 2 and a half weeks in hopes the issues would resolve. My cholesterol was normal on a retest. However, the pain in my hip, below my abdomen, and knee caused a really bad limp. I stopped taking the drug, and it took me 3 months and daily CoQ10 supplements to return my leg to normal. Since then, I have gone on a diet, lost 10 pounds, eliminated white sugar, and red meat from my diet. Hope that's enough. I would not recommend statins for anyone!"

• WJV...
• January 27, 2020

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "I took Lipitor for three weeks. Three days into the treatment, I had left knee and hip pain. I continued to take it for another 2 and a half weeks in hopes the issues would resolve. My cholesterol was normal on a retest. However, the pain in my hip, below my abdomen, and knee caused a really bad limp. I stopped taking the drug, and it took me 3 months and daily CoQ10 supplements to return my leg to normal. Since then, I have gone on a diet, lost 10 pounds, eliminated white sugar, and red meat from my diet. Hope that's enough. I would not recommend statins for anyone!"

• Rob...
• August 23, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I was put on 20mg of Atorvastatin in April 2019 by a new Cardiologist. I started to feel fatigued the first week and lowered the dose to 10mg (split the pill). I was checked recently and my LDL was lower from 147 to 121 mg/dL. The last few months the side effects have started to really cause me problems, severe leg muscle cramps and pain in my upper arms. In the morning, I find that my voice is very hoarse, and this is starting to affect my speech pattern. I asked my own PCP about the side effects, and all he could tell me is that there are no other known remedies for lowering one's cholesterol. I decided after reading all the reviews that I would take a time out on this drug and try Niacin. I'm a 55-year-old healthy male who walks everywhere, and I can't afford to lose my mobility at such an early age. I really have no trust in the US Medical system and only see it as a money-making enterprise with an unsustainable bureaucracy."

• Smo...
• May 3, 2020

For High Cholesterol "My cardiologist finally talked me into taking this poison after 5 years of trying. Took it for a month. The first week I had severe cramping of my hamstrings. The second week foot, ankle, and knee pain. Fourth week all the previous symptoms with myopathy, back pain, and gout flare-ups. Stopped taking the poison(feel stupid I waited so long to do it). I had to walk with crutches for a week and after weeks still having trouble. I read an article that said 1 in 4 Americans take statins. However, because the “normal” cholesterol numbers are being lowered, which means more people will be diagnosed with high cholesterol, that statistic is going to change to 1 in 2 Americans. If I would have continued to take the poison, it probably would have helped to prevent me from having a heart attack or stroke. What good does that do me if I have a terrible quality of life by being crippled and miserable."

• Smo...
• May 3, 2020

For High Cholesterol "My cardiologist finally talked me into taking this poison after 5 years of trying. Took it for a month. The first week I had severe cramping of my hamstrings. The second week foot, ankle, and knee pain. Fourth week all the previous symptoms with myopathy, back pain, and gout flare-ups. Stopped taking the poison(feel stupid I waited so long to do it). I had to walk with crutches for a week and after weeks still having trouble. I read an article that said 1 in 4 Americans take statins. However, because the “normal” cholesterol numbers are being lowered, which means more people will be diagnosed with high cholesterol, that statistic is going to change to 1 in 2 Americans. If I would have continued to take the poison, it probably would have helped to prevent me from having a heart attack or stroke. What good does that do me if I have a terrible quality of life by being crippled and miserable."

• cha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2019

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "The Lipitor worked for years then suddenly I had upper arm pains and couldn't move my arms without crying. I couldn't get up from the toilet or bathtub, etc. I was unable to look after myself. My cardiologist took me off the drug immediately and said not to ever go back to it. After months, the pain subsided a little but never came back to my original health. Can't walk much and have to stop every minute or so to rest my aching legs, etc. Can't take care of my apartment anymore."

• 56...
• May 30, 2017

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "My doctor prescribed Lipitor (40mg) four months ago for high cholesterol of 342. I started feeling like my lower legs weighed a ton. Then it also went into my knees and behind the knees. The pain was unbearable, especially in the muscles circling the knee with bad pain above and towards the outer side of both knees. My doctor thinks it's from an injury I suffered 11 years ago and sent me for X-rays. I tried telling him it felt more like muscle than joint pain, but at this point, the pain was so bad that I wasn't even sure anymore. Confusion started a few weeks ago, where I was struggling to think of words. Three days ago, I quit taking it, and I slowly am feeling better. Thankfully I found these reviews today. Things are making more sense."

• met...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I was put on atorvastatin as a middle-aged male with a history of moderate hypertension. I had low cholesterol and lower good cholesterol but was put on it. Over a few years, my blood sugar climbed to the point of being diagnosed as diabetic. Prior to starting taking atorvastatin, I had very low blood sugar. The company's website tells you it will make your blood sugar rise but not make you a diabetic. I also had leg pain and cramping along with weight gain. I ended up with a rise in weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and then a heart attack. After convincing a new doctor I was having issues with it, I was taken off of it. My blood sugar has dropped out of the diabetic range, my cholesterol has dropped, my leg issues have subsided. I have lost weight. Thank you for listening, Doctor."

• Lol...
• September 14, 2016

Atorvastatin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "This drug is the absolute worst in the world for me. I have been on it for five years or more and being in bad pain for three of those years. I have been on Tylenol three, Codeine Contin, and hydromorphone, and the doctor argued every time when I went in to get more pain meds. My legs have been in unbelievable pain for so long I can't honestly think of the time when I was not in pain. I just started reading about this and stopped taking Lipitor and told the doctor that I would never go back on it again. In about a month, I have started to feel better, but I am left with weak legs and a huge bill from the chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, exercise therapist, and naturopathic doctor. I have had three trips to the hospital emergency department with no help in the long run. I am very, very angry. I hope my lingering pain goes away soon."

• Fin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I was prescribed 10 mg and started having leg, heel, hip, and shoulder pain. My doctor lowered it to 5 mg but I still have pain. My legs and hips hurt when I sleep. I’ve taken 2 other statins before this one and had problems with those also. While on one statin, I couldn’t even climb a chair. My legs were so weak. I stopped taking the atorvastatin but I wonder how long it takes to get out of your system. I’m looking forward to feeling better again!"

• Tja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2019

Atorvastatin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "Worst side effects I could imagine. The pelvic and leg pain was so bad I couldn't sleep for six days until my doctor told me to stop! The pain was worse than anything I have experienced, including childbirth! Doctors should not be so quick to jump to this drug! It also messed with my kidneys, I have been on antibiotics for 2 weeks trying to get them back to a normal level. In my opinion, don't take it!"

• Tja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2019

Atorvastatin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "Worst side effects I could imagine. The pelvic and leg pain was so bad I couldn't sleep for six days until my doctor told me to stop! The pain was worse than anything I have experienced, including childbirth! Doctors should not be so quick to jump to this drug! It also messed with my kidneys, I have been on antibiotics for 2 weeks trying to get them back to a normal level. In my opinion, don't take it!"

• miz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 14, 2012

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "Lipitor plus Zetia lowered cholesterol from 300 to 200, lots of aches, pains, and Charlie horses in the legs, especially going up and down stairs. High cholesterol is prominent in the family genes. Now have nasty skin rashes, red welts with itch that are awful. Dermatology, allergist, and GP have no answers. I am guessing it is the statins as it's the only other thing I take besides a low-dose aspirin."

• ego...
• February 22, 2020

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "After the first week of taking 80mg Lipitor a day, I experienced bad arm pain from my armpit to elbow. I also had tendon pain on top of a hot sensation of the skin on my arm and shoulder blade pain. Two doctors refused to consider that it could be the drug, but I never had a problem before. They are saying it is a deteriorated spine."

• jba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I was started on this on a Tuesday and stopped taking it by Friday. I was only prescribed 10 mg a day. The first day I started feeling nauseated all day and was unable to eat. I started getting headaches and was so sleepy I could barely keep my eyes open. I stopped taking it and still have muscle cramps and pains. I emailed my doctor. Never in my life have I had high cholesterol. It's only a little above 200. But my doctor seems super worried, so tried me on a statin. I do not recommend statins to anyone. This was SUCH an awful experience."

• Far...
• November 1, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this drug atorvastatin 10mg for about 2 years. After taking it for one year, I developed so many side effects which I didn't know were due to this drug. I experienced severe headache, dizziness, migraine, hot flushes, sweating, chills, shivering, pains on one side of the body, sinus pain, sore eyes. I felt like I ruined my life and wasted a lot of money hoping for a cure. I went to ENT doctors, cardiologists, physicians, neurologists, etc., but nobody listened to me. They only prescribed painkillers and nerve tablets. I used to cry all the time, wondering if I would die. Finally, I did some research and found patient reviews. I decided to quit this medicine, which was awful. After one month, I am slowly improving. Thank you to this site for helping patients as today's doctors have no time to listen."

• Nhb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 29, 2016

For High Cholesterol "On it for 6 years. Adverse effects sneak up on you. It makes you old before your time. I had neuropathy in feet and finally in hands, pain in neck and legs. I dragged my feet when I walked, finally my mind was so foggy I couldn't remember what I saw the instant before or remember what I read. I would fall asleep in an instant after sitting down. My wife wouldn't let me drive except in the neighborhood for fear I would doze off. I wonder how many 'old' people have caused auto accidents because of statins. I could not do simple arithmetic. I am off of it as of 2 months ago and am slowly improving. This stuff is awful and should be taken off the market. I rate it 0."

• DHZ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 11, 2023

Atorvastatin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I have been taking Lipitor for several years and developed severe leg and back pain. It was hard just to walk. I stopped taking it for one month, and my leg and back pain went away. Does anyone have an alternative to this destructive drug? I have changed to a low-cholesterol diet, but I know I need to have a less harmful drug to keep my cholesterol down. All comments are appreciated."

• Be ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 6, 2018

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "My cholesterol level was 322, and my doctor prescribed Lipitor. I started to feel very weak. I was in pain constantly, and I felt very tired and sore. I could not even do my daily chores. I thought I had some kind of flu. I continued to take Lipitor for about a year, and the symptoms just got worse. After the second year of taking Lipitor, my constant pain, soreness, and tiredness worsened, and I lost my appetite. The doctor ordered a liver enzyme test. Lipitor was damaging my liver, and I was also experiencing trouble with my kidneys. Though I didn't realize it then, Lipitor was the culprit of my aches and weakness and was not effective in lowering my cholesterol much (only to 308 after taking Lipitor for more than two years.) I am not taking Lipitor anymore, and I don't feel tired and exhausted. My doctor continues to order a liver enzyme test every year. It has never come back normal anymore. Please be careful!"

• twi...
• November 26, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Female, mid-50s. Height to weight is decent. Winter 2019 blood work showed 235 cholesterol reading. Thyroid was good, good cholesterol NOT so good. Doc suggested atorvastatin. I agreed, sure why not if it helps my numbers. LET'S DO IT. 25mg atorvastatin. 1st week I noticed that I have zero desire to get out of bed. I am usually the first up. That was red flag 1. Getting out of bed brought aches and pains that I didn't feel before taking this med. I started feeling like I was 80 years old. Joint pain, muscle pain. THE pain would change locations daily, from arms, thighs, back, hands, knees, neck TO arms, back, etc.. I read to add CoQ10 which I did. No help. Next, my nose would start to run as if someone turned on a switch. My hair started to fall out. Experienced feeling dizzy sometimes. Could be BP meds. Now about my head, my thought process is fuzzy. Last is the itching...arms and legs. Doc took me off. Ya think???"

• Sen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2017

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "I started taking generic Lipitor in February/March 2017. My lab work came back and total cholesterol was 311. At first, I started taking 20mg a day. By the 9th day, I was an emotional mess. Anxiety, anger, confusion, leg pain, stomach pain, and heartburn. I decided to take the 20mg every other day. All the side effects disappeared. Works great. I heard back from my doctor who says to continue the every other day dosage because it's working and it's tolerable for me."

• Box...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this for several years. I have felt nothing but miserable while taking it. I have had cramping, muscle pain in my legs, stomach issues, headaches, and pain in my arms. I kept asking my primary doctor if this could be the cause of all this, and he kept saying no. Well, I have changed my primary doctor and done away with this terrible medication!"

• pj1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2015

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "In the past year, I have experienced four occasions of hyperlipidemia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. All four times, I woke up in ICU and had a lengthy stay in the hospital. I am still taking atorvastatin, have muscle aches and pains, weakness, joint pain, stiffness, and restless legs, with no control of movement. I am miserable most of the time. Recently, my doctor stopped the Lipitor for the next six weeks to see what changes may happen."