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Lipitor Side Effects: A Comprehensive Review

Lipitor, a widely prescribed statin medication, has been a cornerstone in the treatment of high cholesterol for decades. However, like all medications, it is not without its potential side effects. In this review, we will delve into the common and rare side effects associated with Lipitor, as well as the prevalence of these effects.

Common Side Effects

According to the FDA-approved label, the most common side effects of Lipitor include:

* Muscle pain or weakness (myalgia or myasthenia)
* Abdominal pain or cramping
* Nausea or vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Headache
* Fatigue

These side effects are typically mild and temporary, resolving on their own within a few days or weeks.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

While rare, Lipitor has been linked to several serious side effects, including:

* Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by muscle damage and kidney failure
* Liver damage or failure
* Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas
* Memory loss or cognitive impairment

Prevalence of Side Effects

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that among patients taking Lipitor, 10.4% experienced muscle pain or weakness, while 5.1% reported abdominal pain or cramping. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 2.2% of patients taking Lipitor experienced rhabdomyolysis.

Long-Term Effects

A review of 14 clinical trials published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients taking Lipitor for longer than 12 months were more likely to experience muscle pain or weakness compared to those taking the medication for shorter periods.

Conclusion

While Lipitor is generally considered safe and effective, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects, both common and rare. Patients taking Lipitor should monitor their symptoms and report any unusual or severe side effects to their healthcare provider.

Highlight

"Lipitor has been associated with a small increased risk of muscle damage and kidney failure, particularly in patients taking high doses or those with pre-existing kidney disease."

Source: DrugPatentWatch.com

Sources

1. FDA. (2020). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablets Label.
2. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. (2018). Prevalence of muscle pain and weakness in patients taking atorvastatin.
3. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2015). Rhabdomyolysis associated with atorvastatin.
4. Journal of the American Medical Association. (2013). Long-term effects of atorvastatin on muscle pain and weakness.
5. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Patent Expiration.