Arthritic symptoms and conditions

I am in tears reading everyone's Lipitor experiences because I can relate to so much of what you all are saying. I am a 48 year old female. Was on Lipitor for a little over a year, and stopped taking it about 6 weeks ago. My symptoms included excruciating neck and arm pain, leg muscle pain, knee pain, tingling arms and elbows, hip pain. I blamed my neck problems on a previous injury. I did chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, massage. All helped temporarily, but it always came back. I assumed it was something I would have to live with for the rest of my life.

Then i started having the strange leg muscle pain. It felt like a Charlie horse but in weird spots like my ankles, my shin as well as my calves. Then the knee pain started. I can not sit any length of time without my knee aching. I also have a hitch in my hip...I guess that's what you'd call it. I feel pain when I walk, but can usually walk through it. I was also tired all the time, day after day. Sleeping was miserable because of the neck, knee and hip pain. In combination with the tiredness and the aches and pains, I thought I was just getting old, maybe arthritic!! And this from someone who has always been active....walking, weight lifting, always on the go.

I started getting suspicious when I started listening to the Lipitor commercials on TV that stated "...report any muscle pain or weakness to your doctor as this may be a sign of a rare, but serious side effect..." or something like that. Maybe that's a new "warning" that they didn't use to say on the commercial? Well, I went off of it on my own and I could not believe how much better I felt after only a few days!!! My chronic neck pain has basically disappeared...I still don't have full movement like normal folk but the pain is gone! I have so much more energy, and my leg cramps are gone. I still have a problem with my hip and knee.

Since being off Lipitor, my cholesterol has gone sky high....actually higher than when I first started! My total cholesterol began a little over a year ago at 247, got it down to 190, now after being off the Lipitor for 4 weeks it's a whopping 298!!! My ldl started at 162, got down to 128 and is now 206!!!!

So in addition to all the problems I had being on the Lipitor, it appears going off of it has worsened by cholesterol!!

I am now taking ground flax seed - 2 T daily. I am also going to try cholesterol Off by Nature Made. I will NEVER subject my body and spirit to statins again.

I thank all of you for posting your problems with Lipitor. I wish you all luck, and maybe we'll get to meet each other someday....in court.

I had an arthritic flare up about 32 oz into the Nulytely treatment. I immediately noticed joint stiffness and some knee popping. It's been several days now and things still have not returned to normal in my knees. A couple of months ago, I had steroid injections for knee pain and have had no pain since. I am convinced that there is a connection between the Nulytely prep and the joint pain.

B IN OREGON, THOUGHT I WAS FALLING COMPLETELY APART SUDDENLY. STARTED HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER JOINT AND ARM WEAKNESS AND ARTHRITIC LIKE PAINS, WEAK AND TIRED,HAVE BEEN OFF OF LISINOPRIL FOR 3 DAYS NOW AND ALMOST BACK TO NORMAL, OCCASIONAL REOCCURANCES BUT MUCH LIGHTER AND CAN CONTROL WITH IBPROPHEN

53 y old male,took lipitor in april 2007 20mg i have had problem in past with disc in neck and tendinitis in elbow but nothing for 10 years by aug i had very bad wrist and thunp pain even holding a pizza box so off to Dr said tendinitis use a thumb brace and phy therapy nothing after 2 months so i am going to different orthopaedic dr.Than 4 weeks ago woke op oct 3 pain in lower back i said ok use some ice went to work and it would be gone in 3 days by oct20 could not take pain in back and siatic nerve server pain down to foot gave pain pills and nothing went to spine specialist said hernaited disk L-4 L-5 and spinal stenosis from disc touching nerves in channel so he wants to operate i ask can lipitor cause this he said nojust look at the MRI but what causes the iflamantion to cause problems in wrist and servere pain in lower back and leg was it lipitor.The pain was so servere the best pain meds could not take the pain awayseep fir 2 hrs than walk around house for 1hrs at o330 in morning caused it hurt so much.@ weeks wastes so i went to chiro dr and after 2weeks i am more liveable and can sleep better .I will go to pain mangerment ti get a shot or operate,its called Discectomy,hope all theres dr know they might be fighting affects of lipitor.We all must get educated and give this info out to ithers

I took lipitor for almost two years (42). Started having a pain in my upper thigh as if someone was turning a screw driver into my leg. The pain progressed into my right hip that felt like someone was trying to "unscrew" my hip out of the socket. The pain progressed down my leg - i.e. sciatica pain. The pain got so bad that I could not sleep at night and if I did fall asleep the pain would be so bad I would wake up crying.
I went to my regular doctor and an orthopedic doctor. Had xrays, ct, and mri's. Blood work for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, etc. No bad results. I asked my physician if the Lipitor could cause it - "no" was the answer. My prescription for lipitor ran out and I was off of it for three months. I noticed significant relief in the above mentioned symptoms but still did not relate it back to the lipitor until I had a new prescription refilled and within a week I was "crying" in pain again. I immediately stopped the lipitor and within a few more months all the pains were gone. It still took me a while to get "comfortable" in bed to sleep - the pain had obviously affected me psychologically as well and I was still afraid that I would wake up in pain.
I do sometimes feel the pain in my right hip if I sit for extended periods of time but nothing like the above. I am an RN. I have told the above story to several physicians at the hospital and they always react like they don't believe it.

I started on Advair 250/50 6/28/07 for continued wheezing, bronchitis problems even though I quit smoking 12/25/06. In mid July I began to have Lt knee pain, the dx from the Dr was "arthritis--you are getting older you know" I was 46 yrs old. I got a cortisone shot 7/24 since the pain was so terrible, the shot gave we 1 week pain free, then 8/10 I had #2 shot, same knee, again this shot only lasted 1 week, then pain returned with a vengenance. End of August I had an MRI done on Lt knee due to continued knee pain---this showed a menescal tear. So we are in the 1st week of Sept and the pain continues to worsen, now I have pain in Rt knee also. Grasping at various straws I re-read the Side Effects and Adverse Reactions to Advair. Imagine my surprise/shock to read under Musculoskeletal: arthralgia (Severe arthritic joint pain), bone and cartilaage disorders, muscle pain, muscle stiffness. Also wt gain.
Needless to say I quit the Advair..Even tho I had been on Advair for less than 1 month before my knee problems started . Next week I go in for surgical repair on torn menesci Lt knee, and so far so good with my breathing, but tomarrow I tell my Dr that "I quit the Advair, and the reason why I quit."

I had the Mirena IUD inserted in March 2006, 6 weeks after my first child was born. I had it removed on July 26, 2007. At first, I didn't notice any symptoms. I had spotting for a while and then just regular shortened periods after that. My first noticable symptom was that I was extremely fatigued. For the last 6 months I feel that I was living in a haze, very tired, and felt that I wasn't able to function. I felt like I was way older than 31. In fact, a few months ago I was so worried about what I was going to feel like when I was 80. I went to my PCP and she could not find a medical reason for my fatigue after doing extensive bloodwork, so she thought maybe I was depressed. I went to my therapist and she very quickly verified that I wasn't depressed, I'd been seeing her for a year already to work on family issues so she knew me very well. My joints ached and I also experienced arthritic like symptoms in my hands - I could not twist a bottle cap off or open a sealed jar at all. About 3 months ago I started to get chin acne, then it moved up the sides of my face around my hair line and then all over my forehead to the point where it was very painful to touch. I was terribly moody, snappy, and emotionally stressed out all the time. I feel that the last year and a half have been wasted and I wish I could go back and not have it inserted.

After removing the IUD, I had bad cramps and my period came 2 weeks early. Blood was heavy, dark, and clotty at first (alot) and now is just medium flow, but bleeding for almost a week now. I've also had lower back pain since it's removal.

I've been taking 50 mg. daily (and conscientiously) for several years. I've been taking thyroid supplements (synthroid and similar) for 35+ years. For 15 years, I've been struggling with the gradual weight gain commonly associated with menopause and stopping smoking cigarettes (after 30 years of 1+ packs daily). HOWEVER, It was about six years ago that the problem became a 50 lb. overweight and BMI in the waist-over-35" serious problem. I was always strong, quick to build muscle, and enjoyed being active. Swam .5 mi daily or walked 3 miles (or both) frequently until about menopause time. But then: about four years ago, I started having some pretty serious trouble breathing associated with exertion. Body aches and pains that I've described as arthritic, may also be involved here! Hence decreasing exercise and real worry about engaging in exercise. I've also been taking Lipitor and Avandia.
Frankly, I'm feeling that all my meds except Synthroid can cause me to gain weight - the catch 22 being that my elevated blood pressure and early type-2 diabetes are also negatively affected by overweight!! Now what???? Dr. appt, very soon, folks!

Hot hands seem almost arthritic. I'm 36M post PE year ago. Had to wear padded gloves at work to drive. Cant workout 9weights /bike ride0 without padded gloves. Knees get hot and sore after long walks. Can't practice my guitar as long as i used to without pain for 2 days.Worst part CANT TAKE IBUPROFEN FOR SORE JOINTS ARRGGG. This is the only side effect that is really annoying me right now and it wasnt even listed as such. Glad everyone else is feeling it to .

I've been taking Januvia for 8 weeks, and have experienced muscle cramps with shock-like pain running down my leg into my heel; upper and lower GI spasms; night sweats with sleep interruption; and I gained 5 pounds in the first 4 weeks which I can't attribute to anything else. I've also taking metformin and glyset for several years, and although I've experienced the night sweats, they've greatly increased in intensity.

I took synthroid for several years and became progressively more arthritic, with horrendous tooth problems and congestive heart failure. My doctor switched me to the lowest possible dose of generic levothyroxine for nearly two years, and during that time, I progressively felt better. Then they stopped making the generic 25 mcg, so I was switched to levoxyl 50 mcg (was told to split in half). Since then, the symptoms of aching joints and emotional rollercoastering has returned, along with sleep disruption and heart trouble. There is NO DOUBT that these thyroid hormones cause serious problems in many people. I am now trying accupressure to stimulate the gland, and slowly withdrawing the levoxyl. Already feel much better!!!

arthritic type pain...hands!, arms, back..........

January 2005 I had a work related medical, heart (EEG), blood pressure, cholesterol, gulcoses, weight perfect. Doctor mentioned I was very weezy in chest, I still smoked then as well, not anymore. I stated I was a mild hayfever & bronchical asthma sufferer, not on medication. Prescription Singulair. So I tried it!!! Initially I improved, my breathing, my reaction to different air temperatures, walking up hills, hayfever etc. March 2005 I went to the bathrm at 3am and fainted!!! I believe I was then misdiagnosised - maniac depressant, full of anxiety, even irregular levels of nervosis where detected in a brain electrodes analysis. Presciption Trazodone-antidepressant. Symptons persisted, dizziness, faintness, irregular energy levels, weight gain, bad moods, muscle tension in neck/shoulders, fear of life/social activity. I´ve stopped Singulair & in 10 days I feel a little back to normal. But I have a long way to go still, now I have to get off the antidepressants. Could all my suffering be related to Singulair????? My guest is, it is more than possible, especially after reading all the posted side effects - Merck & Sharp also produced it - look what suffering they caused with "VIOXX" - arthritic painkiller, even death!!

Now that I've read some of these comments, I see mine is not a new side effect. I had 400 cholesterol (bad) but 100 good. Body scan appeared that I had blockages. I'm 62 but have been very athletic all my life, walk/run about 30 miles a week (no pavement, just hills), life weights, work with a trainer, tons of lunges, bounding, etc. and just LOVE to work out. Dr. put me on 10 mg. Lipitor and I noticed my left hip hurt bad. Thought it was from too much bounding. Also noticed my arthritic fingers hurt more but thought whatever. Cholesterol dropped to 250 and he put me on 20 mg. They told me to stop and start taking something called WelChol (which I haven't yet started). The muscle pain diminished and rather than start Welchol, I resumed Lipitor because I thought it was just arthritis stuff. After about one month more of 20 mg. I'm virtually crippled now. It feels like my body is freezing up. No more Lipitor and I'm about to go have a serious chat with Dr. Can't live like this. I used to be so happy and joyous and now all I am is ouch.

Within 10 days of taking Lipitor I developed an unusual nodule on the knuckle of a finger on my left hand.

Within 14 days, I began awakening at night with INTENSE, BURNING PAIN in my right arm and hand. Also carpal-tunnel-like symptoms of hand and arm tingling in right arm and hand.

Within 21 days my left wrist developed a type of arthritic joint problem, which left me wearing arm splints on both arms.
Stopped the Lipitor, under Dr.'s advice, blood tests showed no muscle damage, but all problems listed above are now improving. SLOWLY IMPROVING. Left wrist may never be the same.

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE SIDE-EFFECTS FROM THIS DRUG!!!! And they say it's safe? This is our pharmaceutical companies talking here, this DRUG IS NOT SAFE... IT IS MAIMING PEOPLE.....
Donna

Had a heart attack? 10 years ago, now 57.
Cardioligist wanted bad C under 100. 2 years ago
80 mg Zocor was really killing me. Lost taste
sensation, fingers got arthritic?, muscle cramps.
But, bad C went to 90. I felt like ***.
1 year ago I stopped Zocor, finger movement
came back, cramping stopped, still can't drink
cola as taste is still affected.
Dr started Zetia (non Satin) which works in the
gastric track. Side affect minimal and is minor gas
at nite and stool slightly loose. bad C went to 120
but Dr now wants bad C to 70 or less, as new studies
show.
Put me on Lipitor 10 mg a month or so ago along with
the Zetia. All fine till last week... Now upset stomach
all day, with Nausea and sometimes dry heaves. Head
light headed, dizzy like in a fog, and can't walk without
holding on to wall. Outside I must look like a drunk.
Cramping on finges is returning. Had 2 strips bacon one
morning and remembered it through belches all day
with aggrivated symptoms.
I got the message.... And STOPPED the LIPITOR 4 days
ago and no more nausea, I can walk without loosing balance
and finger movement slowly returning. I can live with the
vivid dreams......

I was prescribed 50 m of Toprol. After taking it for almost a year, I produced muscle pain in back of hands and the tops of my feet and toes. fingers feel arthritic. Lifting elbows have limited range of motion without pain.

Doctor finds nothing wrong. I know my body and that it is the Tropol. I want to get off of this stuff ASAP. I have been taking every other day until my next doc appointment.

Don't they study these drugs before prescribing them to people? Being in this kind of pain from head to toe - I wonder what it could be doing to the muscles of the heart.

I think I've taken my last Lipitor. It did help my cholesterol, but after reading this site, I'm scared. And off to the natural foods store for remedies.

Have been on 10mg. Lipitor for over 1 1/2 years. I've experienced some of the "usual" side effects- arthritic type pain in my hands and hip joints, pain in the bottom of my feet, weight gain, gas, but chalked it up to getting older (I'm 54) and not exercising as much as I should.

But it's the bruising that's really been a problem. If my arm touches the inside of the kitchen cabinet while reaching for a dish, I have a bruise on my arm. A slightly harder bump and my skin is torn and I'm bleeding. My clotting times and liver enzymes are normal and my Dr. has no clue what's causing this.

I never associated it with the Lipitor until I saw a neighbor with the same red bruises up and down her arms, and she said "Oh, it's from my statin drug." Then I realized that I never experienced this problem until about the time I started on Lipitor. Has anyone else experienced similar side effects from Lipitor or other statins

i AM A HEART BY-PASS PATIENT A DIABETIC AND BLADDER CANCER PATIENT RECENLY ABOT 2 MONTHS NOW I SRARTED ON ADVAIR 500/50 NOW MY SLEEPIUNG IS WORSE, ARTHRITIC TYPE PAIN IS WORSE TYHIS IS NEW AND I HAVE GENERAL CRAMPS ALL OVER BODY WHEN I SNEEZ OR WHATEVER AND SEVERE MUSCLE CRAMPS IN LOWER LEGS SO THAT SORENESS MAKE WALKING VERY DIFICULT. i AM ALSO GAINING WEIGHT ABOUT 20 POUNDS NOW. i THINK THAT THIS IS ALL MOSTLY BECAUSE OF THE ADVAIR. NLT

I have been taking Lipitor for approxomately 6 months. Initially on a 10 mg dose, then on a 20mg dose for the last 3 months. My doctor has now suggested a 40mg for the next 6 months as my cholesterol levels haven't come down enough. HOWEVER, in the last 4 weeks, I have been experiencing fairly bad joint pains in my fingers and an arthritic like deformity to the pinkie finger on my right hand. I have seen a hand surgeon about this and he diagnosed OESTEO ARTHRITIS (an unusal, but not unheard of condition for someone my age - 42). Is it possible that this has been caused by using Lipitor? I have never had problems like this before and I am very alarmed at the rapidity of its onset.

THIS message board is UNBELIEVABLE!!! I have been telling my wife and my doctors for almost 4 months now (after my life-saving stent procedure) since my heart attack.....that I have been experiencing weakness in muscles, arthritic-like pain, dizziness, sleeplessness, agitation, depression, anxiety, blurred vision and general shakiness.......ALL because of the new drugs I've been given. Lipitor was the FIRST one I suspected.

After stumbling across this site......looks like I'm right.....again. I hate that! :( But, I may've saved myself an awful lot worse grief by doing so in a relatively short time. Four months is nothing compared to some of you poor souls.

I just want to say thank you and I'm sorry at the same time. That nothwithstanding.......I'm QUITTING this STINKING STATIN drug immediately!!

-geeDub

Major water retention ..... stomach pain ...
But Celebrex was effective in relieving pain to arthritic joint

My first treatment was administered in the back of my hand. I had stiff fingers and what seemed to be an arthritis flareup in a knuckle at the base of my hand which lasted for many weeks. I had a discernable swelling, which impinged on another joint, and was painful. Also, the first time I had the treatment, about 12 hours after I had it, I felt really weak and ill, had creepy crawly skin, fatigue, and flu-ike blahs. Kept waking myself up moaning from pain in all my bones and joints. This lasted about 24 hours. After that, though, I felt pretty good, and a pain I had had in my hip before treatment was gone. The next time it was much less of a response. The third time not much at all, just a little tired. However, since beginning treatment I have had stiff hands.(I now insist on getting the infusion in my arm, which helps some) I also got tendonitis in two tendons in one hand,after the first treatment, and bursitis developed after my third treatment in one shoulder. I feel as though the treatment kicks up an arthritis response with me. I am wondering if it is building up bone in joint areas, which, if they already have arthritic invlvement, further restricts the space for tendons to function in. The change in my hands is my most enduring symptom. I have to really work to get all my joints in my hands working every morning. My middle joints are most affected in my fingers, and have been a little stiff ssince treatments began. I never had this before. I figure it's worth it, but....

I suddenly have arthritic symptoms, that I never had before when I wake up in the morning as after I sit for any length of time. My ankles, leg and now my back are stiff. When I start to walk, I have to slowly straighten myself before I can take the first step. What do you think? Any relationship to Levoxyl.

over 2 months later, after taking 500 mg of levaquin for 10 days, I still have pain in my right shoulder. it's severe, and arthritic-like. it hasn't improved. it's worst at night.
my doctor put me on 1000mg cipro for 7 days because of a necessary surgical procedure, and I had no problems with the cipro.
levaquin has long-lasting painful side-effects. ask your doctor to choose another antibiotic. (don't go without, though!!! infection isn't worth the risk.)