Lipitor is a medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke [1]. While Lipitor is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential long-term impacts that patients should be aware of.

One of the most common side effects of Lipitor and other statin medications is muscle pain and weakness [2]. In rare cases, this can progress to a more serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause kidney damage and other complications [2]. However, the risk of rhabdomyolysis is very low, and most people who take Lipitor do not experience any serious side effects [2].

Another potential long-term impact of Lipitor is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [3]. Some studies have suggested that statin use may be associated with a higher risk of diabetes, although the overall risk is still relatively low [3]. Patients who are at high risk for diabetes may want to discuss this potential risk with their doctor before starting Lipitor.

Despite these potential long-term impacts, Lipitor is still considered to be a safe and effective medication for most people who need to lower their cholesterol levels [1]. However, as with any medication, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before starting treatment.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4059187/