Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Orange juice, like grapefruit juice, is known to interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their absorption and efficacy. However, there is no evidence to suggest that orange juice affects the absorption of Lipitor.

According to DrugPatentWatch [1], there are no patents or exclusivities listed for Lipitor and orange juice. This indicates that there are no known interactions between Lipitor and orange juice that would require patent protection.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology [2] found that orange juice did not affect the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor. The study involved 12 healthy volunteers who were given atorvastatin with or without orange juice. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination of atorvastatin between the two groups.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, including some statins like Lipitor, by inhibiting the enzyme that metabolizes the drug, leading to increased blood levels and potential side effects [3]. However, the FDA does not mention orange juice as a potential interaction with Lipitor.

In conclusion, while grapefruit juice can interact with Lipitor, there is no evidence to suggest that orange juice affects the absorption of Lipitor. Patients taking Lipitor should consult with their healthcare provider about any potential drug interactions and whether they should avoid consuming grapefruit juice.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589309/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mix