Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, and since then, the drug has been available in generic form. Atorvastatin is a type of statin drug, which works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. While statins are generally considered safe and effective, they can cause side effects in some people.
According to the Mayo Clinic [2], the most common side effects of statins like Lipitor are muscle pain and weakness, liver damage, digestive problems, and increased blood sugar levels. In rare cases, statins can cause a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney damage or failure. Statins can also interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the drugs you're taking.
Reducing the dose of Lipitor or stopping it altogether can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if you have a history of these conditions. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [3], patients who stopped taking statins after a heart attack were more likely to die or have another heart attack within a year than those who continued taking the drugs. The study also found that patients who reduced their statin dose had a higher risk of cardiovascular events than those who maintained their dose.
In conclusion, reducing the dose of Lipitor or stopping it altogether can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if you have a history of these conditions. While statins like Lipitor are generally safe and effective, they can cause side effects in some people, and it's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. If you're taking Lipitor or another statin drug, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions and not make any changes to your medication without consulting them first.
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/PMC6019636/