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What Causes Muscle Weakness And Pain After Using Atorvastatin?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Dec 2014
Question: I am having a very severe muscle reaction after I started using a new batch of Atorvastatin make by the Apotex manufacturer. I have taken the same prescription made by the Greenstone Brand. I had not had any problems with Lipitor or the Atorvastatin made my Greenstone. Both of my shoulders are very sensitive and hurt when I raise them. My thigh muscles and buttocks are also super sensitive. I stopped ingesting this present medicine over a week ago and am still experiencing lots of pain. My Doctor is prescribing Vicoden 5-325 for the pain. How long will it take for the Avorstatin to get out of my system?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Upto 40 hours.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Muscle weakness and pain can be seen rarely due to use of statins, particularly when a new drug is added, which can cause interactions, or when the dosage of statins is increased.

Atorvastatin to get out of the system, will be usually around 30 or maximum 40 hours.
Resultant muscular damage, will take around 3 months to completely recover.

Withdrawal of statins should not be done abruptly. Serious cardiovascular and stroke risk could be present. An additional antiplatelet agent should be there to reduce to the risk of thrombus. Discuss about this your doctor.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (10 hours later)
You answered my question satisfactorily and gave me the facts I was looking for.

If I were to visit a specialst, what field of medicine would I be looking at? I have been off of Avorstatin for a week now and still suffer from severe pain in both of my shoulders. I will need something to help with pain for my recovery period.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX Pester
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Physician with physiotherapist is what you need...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.

I would think a physician along with physiotherapist would best help you. Physiotherapy along with pain medication will reduce the pain. Physician or internal medicine doctor would follow you up and also could monitor your progression.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Thanks for asking.
Take care.

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Muscle Weakness And Pain After Using Atorvastatin?

Brief Answer: Upto 40 hours. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Muscle weakness and pain can be seen rarely due to use of statins, particularly when a new drug is added, which can cause interactions, or when the dosage of statins is increased. Atorvastatin to get out of the system, will be usually around 30 or maximum 40 hours. Resultant muscular damage, will take around 3 months to completely recover. Withdrawal of statins should not be done abruptly. Serious cardiovascular and stroke risk could be present. An additional antiplatelet agent should be there to reduce to the risk of thrombus. Discuss about this your doctor. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM