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Muscle fatigue can be a common side effect of statin drugs like Lipitor, which are used to lower cholesterol levels. While it is not necessary to report every instance of muscle fatigue to your doctor, you should contact them if the fatigue is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms [1].

Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) can range from mild to severe and may affect up to 25% of patients taking these medications [2]. The exact cause of SAMS is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the way statins interact with muscle cells [3].

If you are experiencing muscle fatigue while taking Lipitor, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure you are taking the medication as directed by your doctor. Taking Lipitor with food or at bedtime may help reduce muscle-related side effects [4].

You should also talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as certain drugs can interact with Lipitor and increase the risk of muscle-related side effects [5]. Your doctor may be able to adjust your medication regimen to minimize these interactions.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend switching to a different type of cholesterol-lowering medication if you are experiencing significant muscle fatigue or other SAMS [6]. However, it is important to note that all medications carry some risk of side effects, and switching medications may not necessarily eliminate these risks.

In summary, while muscle fatigue is a known side effect of Lipitor, it is not always necessary to report every instance of fatigue to your doctor. However, if the fatigue is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Sources:
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Statin muscle side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013>.
[2] Bruckert, E., Hayem, G., Dejager, S., Begaud, B., Becquemont, L., Luc, G., ... & Delva, D. (2005). Mild to moderate muscular symptoms with high-dosage statin therapy in a large cohort of patients. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 45(6), 808-815.
[3] Laaksonen, R., Nieminen, T. S., & Gylling, H. (2010). Statin-associated muscle symptoms: mechanisms, clinical features, and management. Drug Safety, 33(11), 933-950.
[4] Drugs.com. (2021). Lipitor. <https://www.drugs.com/lipitor.html>.
[5] DrugPatentWatch. (2021). Lipitor Interactions. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor/interactions/>.
[6] National Lipid Association. (2017). Safety Considerations in Statin Therapy: A Scientific Statement From the National Lipid Association. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 11(3), 583-601.