Q. My doctor prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) even though my cholesterol level was OK. He wanted it even lower.
Please alert your readers that although atorvastatin may work well to lower cholesterol, the cure may be worse than the disease. Not only did I suffer muscle pain, fatigue and leg cramps, but I thought my testicles were on fire. The pain was excruciating. I have spoken with others who experienced similar problems.
A. Many people report muscle or joint pain and fatigue while taking statin-type cholesterol-lowering medicines. Although the official prescribing information lists urinary tract infections as a possible side effect, there is no mention of testicular pain.
We found one case report in the medical literature, however (Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Jan. 2007). A 54-year-old man had achy testicles when he took lovastatin. He discontinued the drug and the pain disappeared. This experience was repeated with simvastatin and again with atorvastatin.
We discuss the pros and cons of statins and other ways to reduce cholesterol in our Guide to Cholesterol Control and Heart Health. There is also research to suggest that statins are associated with lower testosterone levels and hypogonadism (Journal of Sexual Medicine, April, 2010).
