Lipitor is a commonly prescribed statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. There is no direct evidence that suggests that consuming garlic while taking Lipitor is harmful or dangerous. However, some studies have shown that garlic supplements can interact with certain medications, including statins, and may increase the risk of side effects.
According to ConsumerLab [2], consuming large amounts of garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications, including statins like Lipitor. Garlic supplements may also interact with other medications, including those used to treat HIV, tuberculosis, and fungal infections.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics [3] found that garlic supplements may interact with statin medications, leading to an increased risk of side effects such as muscle pain and weakness. The study suggests that consuming garlic supplements while taking statins may increase the risk of drug interactions and side effects.
However, it is important to note that these studies are based on garlic supplements, not fresh garlic. Fresh garlic is generally considered safe and healthy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Therefore, it is unlikely that consuming small amounts of fresh garlic while taking Lipitor would cause any harm.
In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence that suggests that consuming garlic while taking Lipitor is harmful, it is important to be cautious when taking any medication. If you are taking Lipitor and considering taking garlic supplements, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it is safe for you to do so. Additionally, it is always important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to report any side effects you experience while taking Lipitor.
Sources:
[2] https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/which-drugs-should-be-avoided-when-taking-statins/statin-supplement-interactions/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2997463/
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR