Lipitor and Joint Pain

There are many possible side effects associated with Lipitor, and joint pain is one of them. In previous clinical studies of Lipitor, joint pain occurred most often in people taking Lipitor 40 mg. If joint pain does become a problem when you're taking Lipitor, you can try relieving the pain by using over-the-counter pain relief medications, heating pads, or cold packs.

 

Lipitor and Joint Pain: An Overview

Joint pain is a possible side effect of Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium). 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 previous clinical studies, joint pain occurred most frequently in those taking Lipitor 40 mg and least often in those taking Lipitor 80 mg (0 percent).
 

Suggestions Concerning Lipitor and Joint Pain

If you are taking Lipitor and joint pain is a problem, there are some things that you can try.
 These short-term relief suggestions include medications and heat or cold.
 
Medications
Patients 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;