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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Lipitor Intake Cause Pain In The Knees, Arms And Wrists?

I have been taking 20 mg of the generic Lipitor for about 3 weeks. Could it cause my knees ( I have arthritis) to ache more than usual as well as my arms and wrists. Could I take 1/2 if a pill each day or 1 every other day. I am 77 (ugh) years old, but in good shape for the most part.
Wed, 17 May 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi dear. Thanks for trusting HealthCareMagic. I'm dr. Asti.

You have used Lipitor which contains Atorvastatin as the anti cholesterol agents. The dosage of Lipitor may vary depends on the cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL score. It can be given 10-80 mg/day based on cholesterol score. You have used it for 3 weeks. I suggest you to re-check the laboratory after 4 weeks, so your doctor can do dosage adjustment.

The adverse effects of Lipitor may affect your arthritis, because 4-12% patients get arthralgia (the pain in joints) after using this drug, 2-5% have musculoskeletal pain and spasm, and also myalgia. Lipitor should be used with caution especially in elderly, because it can increase the risk of myopathy, the disorders if the muscles.

If you have arthritis, better you consult with your doctor about the side effects that you feel. Your doctor may withhold the use of Lipitor or only adjust the dose.

Do you use the other medicines for your arthritis? Because Lipitor may have interactions with the other drugs such as steroid (methylprednisolone, Prednisone etc), and colchicine as the therapy for gout arthritis. It would make the side effects worsen. You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, to make using of atorvastatin safer for you.

If I were your treating doctor, I would suggest you to do laboratory first. Then if the results show improvement, we can titrate the dose, and you can have ½ pill of Lipitor or 10mg. But it all depends on your cholesterol score.

I hope these can be helpful for you. If you have something to be discussed, feel free to ask me more in HealthCareMagic. I hope you will get well soon.

Regards,
dr. Asti Yuliadha
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Does Lipitor Intake Cause Pain In The Knees, Arms And Wrists?

Hi dear. Thanks for trusting HealthCareMagic. I m dr. Asti. You have used Lipitor which contains Atorvastatin as the anti cholesterol agents. The dosage of Lipitor may vary depends on the cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL score. It can be given 10-80 mg/day based on cholesterol score. You have used it for 3 weeks. I suggest you to re-check the laboratory after 4 weeks, so your doctor can do dosage adjustment. The adverse effects of Lipitor may affect your arthritis, because 4-12% patients get arthralgia (the pain in joints) after using this drug, 2-5% have musculoskeletal pain and spasm, and also myalgia. Lipitor should be used with caution especially in elderly, because it can increase the risk of myopathy, the disorders if the muscles. If you have arthritis, better you consult with your doctor about the side effects that you feel. Your doctor may withhold the use of Lipitor or only adjust the dose. Do you use the other medicines for your arthritis? Because Lipitor may have interactions with the other drugs such as steroid (methylprednisolone, Prednisone etc), and colchicine as the therapy for gout arthritis. It would make the side effects worsen. You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, to make using of atorvastatin safer for you. If I were your treating doctor, I would suggest you to do laboratory first. Then if the results show improvement, we can titrate the dose, and you can have ½ pill of Lipitor or 10mg. But it all depends on your cholesterol score. I hope these can be helpful for you. If you have something to be discussed, feel free to ask me more in HealthCareMagic. I hope you will get well soon. Regards, dr. Asti Yuliadha