Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a cholesterol-lowering medication that belongs to the statin class of drugs. According to the FDA, statins have been associated with rare cases of liver injury and monitoring liver function is recommended for patients taking these drugs [2].
The recommended monitoring schedule for liver function tests (LFTs) in patients taking Lipitor is not clearly stated in the sources provided. However, the FDA recommends that healthcare providers perform liver function tests before initiating treatment with a statin and as clinically indicated thereafter [2].
According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, liver function tests should be performed before starting treatment with a statin and repeated at 12 weeks, six months, and then annually thereafter, or as clinically indicated [3].
It is important to note that while liver function tests are recommended for patients taking Lipitor, the risk of liver injury associated with statins is low. The FDA states that most patients who develop liver injury while taking statins do so within the first three months of treatment, and the risk is higher in patients with preexisting liver disease or heavy alcohol use [2].
In summary, while the sources provided do not give a specific monitoring schedule for liver function tests in patients taking Lipitor, it is recommended that healthcare providers perform liver function tests before initiating treatment with a statin and as clinically indicated thereafter. Patients taking Lipitor should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver injury, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin or eyes, and report any such symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately [2].
Sources:
[2] FDA Drug Safety Communication: Important safety label changes to cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. (2012, February 28). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-important-safety-label-changes-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs
[3] Kostapanos, M. S., & Mikhailidis, D. P. (2017). Liver function tests and statin therapy: A comprehensive review. Journal of clinical lipidology, 11(3), 505-520. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2017.01.006
[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Lipitor. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR