Lipitor, also known as Atorvastatin, is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Herbal remedies are often used as an alternative to traditional medication, but their safety and effectiveness are not always well understood. Combining Lipitor with herbal remedies can pose risks to a patient's health.
According to the National Health Service (NHS) [2], taking herbal remedies with Lipitor can increase the risk of side effects. For example, taking St John's Wort, a herbal remedy used to treat depression, can reduce the effectiveness of Lipitor. This can lead to increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease. Additionally, some herbal remedies can interact with Lipitor and cause liver damage or other serious side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine [3] found that herbal remedies can interact with Lipitor and other statins, increasing the risk of side effects. The study also found that some herbal remedies can reduce the effectiveness of statins, leading to increased cholesterol levels.
Drug Patent Watch [1] notes that there are currently no known drug interactions between Lipitor and herbal remedies. However, this does not mean that it is safe to combine Lipitor with herbal remedies. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any new medication or supplement, including herbal remedies.
In conclusion, while there may not be any known drug interactions between Lipitor and herbal remedies, combining the two can pose risks to a patient's health. Some herbal remedies can interact with Lipitor and cause liver damage or reduce the effectiveness of the medication, leading to increased cholesterol levels. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any new medication or supplement, including herbal remedies.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/atorvastatin/taking-atorvastatin-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4593660/