My Experience with Lipitor: A Good Medication With Bad Sife Effects (for Me)

Twenty five years ago my Doctor told me my cholesterol was too high, not much, just borderline. Since all my other stats were good and I was still young, I blew him off. Fifteen years ago the same thing happened. I did agree at this time to try to alter my eating habits. The biggest downfall was dairy products, (yes, ice cream was one of them) especially cheese.

I gave up the liver and onions but not the macaroni and cheese! Basically the only reaction to the Doctor's suggestion was to occasionally feel guilty when I ate my favorite foods. As age progressed, regular blood tests acknowledged the cholesterol numbers were slowly increasing. Since all the other factors were still in very good shape, I justified not taking cholesterol medications.

The turning point

Two years ago a local hospital was advertising a cardiovascular CT scan that was inexpensive. I decided to make an appointment and go have the scan done. My cholesterol numbers had increased to 240 and although I had gotten serious about diet and exercise, I was unable to get a lower score. There was a little concern. The test came back positive. There was blockage! Slight, but it was there. The Doctor reading the scan suggested an appointment with my Doctor and cholesterol lowering medications. I was screwed and worst of all, I did it to myself!

The medication

At the appointment the Doctor said Lipitor. I said OK. When I got to the pharmacy to pick up my medication, it came with a monitory shock! It was expensive! No wonder they could advertise on national television. I took the medication home, read the information sheet from the pharmacy and started taking the medication as prescribed. The side effects started almost immediately.

The muscle aches, joint aches, tiredness became very apparent. I hurt everywhere and just felt bad in general. I called my Doctor back and asked for a generic. She wanted me on Lipitor, told me the side effects would pass and offered to give me the medications. I said OK and continued to take Lipitor for eight more months. During that time the cholesterol numbers were terrific, however, the side effects never went away or decreased.

The solution

I had enough! The Doctor agreed to my request to take another medication for three to four months to see if the effects changed. She prescribed Pravachol, suggested I not take anything for a week and then start the new med. After only 2 weeks, the change in how I felt was dramatic.

I no longer hurt! I cannot believe I agreed to take Lipitor for nine months! After taking Pravachol for four months, the numbers were not as good and the Doctor requested I take a higher milligram dose. Again I said OK. Soon, some of the same symptoms had re-occurred, but not nearly as strong. My Pharmacist said some people just cannot tolerate "statins" as well as others and I am obviously one of them.

The next blood test may not show the numbers as good as they were when I was taking Lipitor, however, the Doctor and I have reached a compromise. I much prefer a life of quality over quantity. I am doing something to help prevent a heart attack or a stroke. Lipitor is a very good medication, I just could not tolerate it.