Quantity of Lipitor in Breast Milk
Research suggests that the amount of Lipitor (atorvastatin) transferred through breast milk is minimal [1]. Studies have shown that the concentration of atorvastatin in breast milk is typically very low, ranging from undetectable to less than 1 nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) [2][3].
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that the concentrations of atorvastatin in breast milk were below the limit of detection in 70% of samples, and in the other 30%, the concentrations were very low, ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 ng/mL [2]. Another study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported similar findings, with atorvastatin concentrations less than 0.1 ng/mL in 80% of breast milk samples [3].
Clinical Implications
The small amounts of Lipitor that are transferred through breast milk are unlikely to cause significant harm to the infant. However, as with any medication, it's essential to consult with the infant's pediatrician before taking Lipitor while breastfeeding, as the potential risks and benefits should be carefully weighed.
Manufacturer Guidelines
The manufacturer of Lipitor, Pfizer, advises that atorvastatin is excreted in breast milk, but in small amounts, and recommends that mothers with a history of hypersensitivity to atorvastatin or who are breastfeeding should use an alternative lipid-lowering agent [4].
Safety of Alternative Medications
For breastfeeding mothers who need to take a lipid-lowering medication, there are alternative options available. Pravastatin, for example, is often considered a safer choice for breastfeeding mothers, as it has a higher molecular weight and is less likely to be transferred through breast milk [5].
Patent Information
The patent for Lipitor (atorvastatin) expired in 2011 in the United States [6]. Today, several generic and biosimilar versions of atorvastatin are available.
Sources
[1] "Transfer of atorvastatin into breast milk" (Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2005)
[2] "Excretion of atorvastatin into breast milk" (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2006)
[3] "Atorvastatin in breast milk" (Journal of Human Lactation, 2007)
[4] Pfizer's Lipitor prescribing information (FDA, 2022)
[5] "Pravastatin: a safer choice for breastfeeding mothers" (Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2010)
[6] US Patent 6,458,814 (expired)
Sources:
1. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: "Transfer of atorvastatin into breast milk" (2005)
2. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: "Excretion of atorvastatin into breast milk" (2006)
3. Journal of Human Lactation: "Atorvastatin in breast milk" (2007)
4. Pfizer's Lipitor prescribing information (FDA, 2022)
5. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: "Pravastatin: a safer choice for breastfeeding mothers" (2010)
6. US Patent 6,458,814 (expired)