Lipitor and one year later

After being on Lipitor for 2 years I developed tendonitis in my left elbow, eventually tearing it and requiring surgery. One year later I tore the elbow tendon on my right elbow, also requiring surgery. I was 54 years old at the time and in great shape. I have played golf for 20 years without any sign of elbow problems. Now I am sidelined from golf as the surgery to my right elbow has not worked out that well. I have been off Lipitor for over a year and hope someday my symptoms disappear.

I took Zocor for 60 days and stopped because of pain in both my shoulders, not being totally sure this was the cause but being normally very free of such pains. It took about 3 months for the pain to subside, following stopping the Zocor. One year later I resumed statin therapy and took Pravachol for 60 days. My shoulder pain returned and I developed knee and ankle pain also. I therefore stopped the statins and I still have some shoulder pain after 7 months - the other pains have lessened.

I know that people will post here mostly when they have problems, but from similar experiences of at least five of my friends who have been on these drugs, I am beginning to think that it is a silent minority who are, in general, not posting here!

I note that statins are prescribed universally for high LDL (cholesterol) and also for the majority of diabetics, regardless of LDL levels. Seeing the cost of these pills at about $3 each, there is a huge vested interest in maintaining the position that muscular and joint problems are only occurring in a tiny minority of those being treated.