Been taking statins for several years and have put up with the mu...

Been taking statins for several years and have put up with the muscle aches and general feeling of unwellness for some time now. Took myself off Lipitor 20 mg dose this week after having investigated side effects. Why does it take years of people suffering through these side effects, poisoning their body for someone to come up with a better, less toxic drug. My mother has been on statins much longer than I and has all of the classic symptoms:hair loss, tinnitus, weakness, muscle pains, loss of balance, pains in her head so sharp she says it's like someone's sticking a knife into her. Unfortunately, she comes from a different generation that doesn't dare go against her Drs. advice and will probably suffer these side effects to her grave. Looking now for an alternate, with my family history of cardiac problems, thought I was doing something good for myself by taking Lipitor. Started taking garlic pills but would welcome any safe alternatives.