Lipitor is a drug used to treat high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. While it is generally considered safe and effective, there have been reports of Lipitor-induced pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed, causing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports [3], atorvastatin (the active ingredient in Lipitor) use was associated with acute pancreatitis in a 60-year-old man. The patient had been taking atorvastatin for several years and developed severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which led to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The symptoms resolved after discontinuing the drug.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology [2] found that pancreatitis was a rare but possible side effect of atorvastatin. The study reported a case of a 49-year-old man who developed acute pancreatitis after taking atorvastatin for several months. The patient experienced severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and was hospitalized for several days. The symptoms resolved after discontinuing the drug.
DrugPatentWatch [1] also lists pancreatitis as a possible side effect of atorvastatin. However, it is important to note that not everyone who takes Lipitor will experience pancreatitis, and the risk of developing this condition is relatively low.
In conclusion, Lipitor-induced pancreatitis is a rare but possible side effect of atorvastatin. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Lipitor, you should contact your doctor immediately. It is also important to note that you should not stop taking Lipitor without first consulting with your doctor.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117569/
[3] https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2016/02150/atorvastatin_use_associated_with_acute.4.aspx