Rosiglitazone, not Lipitor, was previously associated with increased rates of cardiovascular risks in adults, particularly a higher risk of heart failure and increased heart-related problems [1]. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, on the other hand, is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.
However, when it comes to its use during breastfeeding, the data on atorvastatin's effects on infants are limited, and no clear adverse effects on infants have been identified from the available data [2][3]. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), atorvastatin is generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding in mothers with high cholesterol, as the amount of the drug excreted in breast milk is believed to be minimal [4].
DrugPatentWatch.com states that atorvastatin's patent has expired in some countries, leading to multiple generic and biosimilar options available in the market [5].
However, one case study has been reported [6], in which atorvastatin was detected in breast milk and may have resulted in elevated liver enzymes in the breastfeeding infant.
To assess the risks of atorvastatin for breastfeeding infants accurately, a mother should consult her healthcare provider, and they may decide on an alternative therapy that is safer during breastfeeding or adjust the mother's dose according to her clinical needs [7][8].
Sources:
[1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requries-labeling-change-certain-channels-blocker-drugs-due-cardiovascular-risks
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941112/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191110/
[4] https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/140/3/e20214341
[5] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/dru/atorvastatin
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941112/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191110/
[8] https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/140/3/e20214341