From: Dr. Neal Pinckney (hnl01-002.gst.aloha.net)
Subject: Re: Lipitor side effects
Date: July 14, 2001 at 12:46 pm PST

In Reply to: Re: Lipitor side effects posted by Darby Shaw on July 14, 2001 at 10:30 am:

Lipitor (atorvastatin) lists a number of adverse reactions in it's literature. Among them are arthralgia (pain in joints) and myalgia (pain in muscles), which they report occurs in less than 6% of the patients in their studies. These side effects seem to be more common, though.

There are other statin-class cholesterol lowering medications that have less painful side effects.

Almost all powerful medications have some side effects. The strategy should be to adjust the medication and dosage to each individual to yield the most beneficial effects with the fewest adverse reactions. Discussing alternatives with one's physician is recommended.