See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Muscle damage, also known as myopathy, is a potential side effect of taking Lipitor (atorvastatin), a type of statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. However, muscle damage monitoring post Lipitor discontinuation is not a common medical practice. This is because muscle damage associated with Lipitor is typically not persistent and resolves after discontinuation of the drug [1].

Muscle damage is usually monitored while a patient is taking Lipitor through regular blood tests to measure creatine kinase (CK) levels. CK is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. When muscle tissue is damaged, CK is released into the bloodstream. Elevated CK levels can be a sign of muscle damage [1].

If a patient experiences muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness while taking Lipitor, their doctor may order a CK test. If the test shows elevated CK levels, the doctor may adjust the dosage or switch the patient to a different cholesterol-lowering medication [1].

However, once Lipitor is discontinued, routine CK tests are not typically necessary unless the patient continues to experience muscle symptoms. This is because the muscle damage associated with Lipitor is usually reversible and resolves after discontinuation of the drug [1].

In summary, while muscle damage is a potential side effect of Lipitor, muscle damage monitoring post Lipitor discontinuation is not a common medical practice. If a patient experiences muscle symptoms while taking Lipitor, their doctor may order CK tests to monitor muscle damage. Once Lipitor is discontinued, routine CK tests are not typically necessary unless the patient continues to experience muscle symptoms.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor Muscle Pain. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor/muscle-pain>.