Not sure this all relates to this thread, but I am considering all options. I have been taking Lipitor 20 mg for almost 2 years, with the side effects of muscle pain and weakness, cramps, and tendonitis. I have discussed with doctors and they decreased me to 3times a week, which did not help; allowed me a one week break, which didn't. help either. I finally got a note in my chart from my primary care mentioning I might need a statin break. I sent my cardiologist a long note about how my quality of life has gone down since starting statin therapy and that I hurt everyday. I've been to acupuncturist, PT, OT, massage therapy and do daily exercises. Recently had my lipid panel done and total 207, HDL 88 and LDL 85. He sent a note in the portal, "good job managing your levels, hope you are tolerating the statin". --- NO, I am not tolerating. That was over a week ago, and I just stopped taking the Lipitor. I've missed 4 doses in the past 10 days and I have at least 50-75% less pain overall. I don't get out of bed stiff, I don't hurt when I turn over in bed and I require less stretching to relieve pain. He would not give me his permission to do this. He mentioned trying a different statin, but I think they all do the same thing. Would Repatha be something I ask him about? I am not really much of a cardiac risk - calcium score of 0, blood pressure under control, no diabetes... I honestly do not feel I should need to live in pain and restricted activities just to lower my cholesterol a bit.