See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Based on the information available, Lipitor (atorvastatin) does not necessarily lead to joint pain for all patients. Adverse reactions to medications can vary greatly from person to person, depending on a variety of factors including genetics, other health conditions, and the dosage and duration of the medication.

According to the Lipitor Prescribing Information, the most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, diarrhea, and pain in the extremities. However, the document does not specify what percentage of patients experienced these side effects. It is also important to note that just because an adverse reaction is listed, it does not mean that it will occur in all or even most patients taking the medication.

Additionally, a study published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics in 2005 found that the incidence of muscle-related adverse events was similar in patients taking Lipitor and those taking a placebo. The study also found that the incidence of joint-related adverse events was slightly higher in the Lipitor group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

It is also worth noting that Lipitor is a widely used and studied medication, with over 20 years of use on the market. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Lipitor has been prescribed over 700 million times worldwide and has been the subject of thousands of clinical trials and studies.

In summary, while joint pain is a potential side effect of Lipitor, it does not appear to be a common one, and it is not clear from the available information that it is more common with Lipitor than with a placebo. As with any medication, it is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Sources:

1. Lipitor Prescribing Information. Pfizer Labs. <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020272s053lbl.pdf>
2. Thompson, PD, et al. "Musculoskeletal safety of atorvastatin in hypercholesterolemic patients." Clinical Therapeutics. Vol. 27, No. 6. 2005. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16052352>
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. Lipitor. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>