I have taken Lipitor off and on for a few years. I began hearing about side effects such muscle weakness, joint pain and liver damage and I had been experiencing side effects myself, so I did some research and found some frightening reports. I stopped taking it 10 days ago and still have symptoms. Is there permanent damage?www.medications.com/go/se/Lipitor
2007-09-25 11:42:52 · 4 answers · asked by thom t 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Patients always should take an active role in the course of their own treatments. Towards this purpose, nowadays when you receive a prescription from the pharmacy, it comes with a printed paper that outlines all of the known potential side effects, and telling you to watch for them and report immediately to your doctor if you are experiencing any of them to a significant extent.
Every time I get a particular prescription from my doctor, I take the time to say "OK, let's talk about any possible side effects, and how you feel they rate in terms of risk over benefits?" Matter of fact I recently had a discussion with my specialist about a minor heart abnormality, (a mild arrhythmia) for which he suggested giving me a particular drug. Upon further questioning he told me that, indeed this particular drug did have some disturbing side effects which, while not often experienced by the patient, had been known to occur and cause some trouble. We delved into it more, and in the end I told him that, with respect, I felt I needed to make the informed decision not to take this drug. He said "OK" and offered me an alternative, which I am taking and tolerating well.
Always consider YOURSELF - the patient - an essential part of the medical team that is treating you, and as a member of the team, you need to do your own homework and have your say in every step of the process.
Actually, information about Statins and some certain troubling side effects has been all over the news for two or three years now, and I am surprised that you have not come across it before. Lower doses tend not to be the problem for the majority of people, but on the other side of the coin, there is absolutely NO drug ever devised and put on the market that hasn't had an adverse effect on at least a few people. Look at the incredible and wide-ranging benefits of the humble aspirin. The overwhelming majority of people can take aspirin with absolutely no ill effects, and great benefit. But there are a selective few who develop quite serious problems with internal bleeding, stomach ulcers etc. It is why we all have to be aware, and diligent, whenever we are on any kind of medication, and listen to our body signals that will warn us when something is amiss.
Hopefully, as usually happens, the discontinuation of the statin will eventually restore you to normal with no lasting ill effects. It depends how long you were taking it, as it may take your body a while to totally rid itself of the problems that it caused. Meanwhile, remain watchful, and stay in touch with your medical caregiver.
2007-09-25 12:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you are on a statin drug such as Lipitor or zocor, you need to have lab tests at least every 6 months to test your liver.
Tests can also be done if you experience muscle weakness and pain, which can be a condition called rhabdomyolysis--a serious side effect that can occur on statin drugs.
Did you tell your doctor about the side effects that you were having? Please call the doctor and report that you have stopped the medication too.
PS--not all drugs affect your liver like the person above me said, this is not correct information!
2007-09-25 11:50:24 · answer #2 · answered by Sally 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the reason is that most people dont get the side affect in the dr point of view if they are able to help over 90% of the people with it the people that have side affects are really immaterial statistically speaking you are in a minority
unfortunately some of the side affects are not reversible in some people you will have to wait and see
2007-09-25 12:03:36 · answer #3 · answered by jim1 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Mainly because the drug company gives them a good deal to sell their drugs. A doctor is supposed to tell you but it much depends on what sort of doctor he or she is. There may be long term damage as all drugs affect your liver.
2007-09-25 11:49:03 · answer #4 · answered by DAVID W 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Because half of THEM- don't know what they are- themselves! That's YOUR job- to ask questions & find out!
2007-09-25 11:50:57 · answer #5 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋