Lipitor and Muscle Aches (Cont.)

Lipitor and Muscle Aches: Drug Interactions

Serious muscle problems are more common when people start taking Lipitor or when doctors increase their Lipitor dosage; however, these muscle problems can happen at any time. There are also certain medicines that, when taken with Lipitor, can increase the risk for serious muscle problems. These medicines include:
 
  • Antifungals, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), and itraconazole (Sporanox®)
  • Clarithromycin (Biaxin®)
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
  • Erythromycin (Ery-Tab®)
  • Fibrates, such as:

 

 

 

(For more information about potential drug interactions involving Lipitor, see the eMedTV article Lipitor Drug Interactions.)
 

Lipitor and Muscle Aches: Things to Remember

For people taking Lipitor, muscle aches can be a common problem, especially during the initial months of treatment or when the Lipitor dosage is increased. Unfortunately, it is not possible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop this side effect if you have never taken Lipitor. If muscle aches do become a problem while you are taking Lipitor, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to give you other suggestions for dealing with muscle aches. If the muscle aches continue, he or she may recommend adjusting the Lipitor dosage or switching to another cholesterol medication.
 
Also, if muscle aches, weakness, pain, or tenderness occur, accompanied by a fever or feeling of sickness, it can mean there is a serious problem. Call your healthcare provider immediately.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;