Lipitor and Joint Pain

Joint pain is a side effect people may experience during treatment with Lipitor. In clinical studies of Lipitor, joint pain occurred most often in people taking 40 mg. If joint pain does become a problem while taking Lipitor, you can try relieving the pain by using over-the-counter pain relief medications, heating pads, or cold packs.

Effects of Lipitor on Joints: An Overview

There are several potential side effects with Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium), and joint soreness or pain is one of them. Based on data from clinical studies, joint pain was seen in up to 5.1 percent of people taking the medication, depending on the Lipitor dosage. In these studies, joint pain occurred most frequently in those taking Lipitor 40 mg and least often in those taking Lipitor 20 or 80 mg (0 percent).
 

Suggestions Concerning Lipitor and Joint Pain

If you are taking Lipitor and joint pain becomes a problem, there are some things that you can try.
 These short-term relief suggestions include medications and heat or cold.
 
Medications
People who experience joint pain with Lipitor often benefit from using pain relief medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®).
 
Heat or Cold
Moist heat (such as a warm bath or shower) or dry heat (such as a heating pad) placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve joint pain. In some cases, cold packs (a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) can relieve pain or numb the sore area. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs. Water therapy in a heated pool or whirlpool may also relieve joint pain and stiffness.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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