Are there any risks associated with lipitor and breastfeeding?

Can you take Lipitor while breastfeeding?

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is generally not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk in small amounts, and its safety for infants has not been established. Most guidelines advise against using statins like atorvastatin during lactation.

Why is Lipitor avoided during breastfeeding?

Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. The concern is that this mechanism could affect lipid metabolism in a developing infant whose brain and nervous system are still forming. Animal studies show low excretion into milk, animal rights animal studies also show that atorvastatin is excreted into rat milk. It is unknown whether atorvastatin is excreted into human breast milk.

What happens if a mother takes Lipitor while breastfeeding?

No clinical studies have been completed on the effects of atorvastatin in breastfed infants. No adverse effects have been reported anecdotally. No clinical studies have been completed on the effects of atorvastatin in breastmilk. No clinical studies have have been completed on the Drugs.com interactions checker says Drugs.com says that atorvastatin is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. Drugs.com says that atorvastatin is not recommended for women who is breastfeeding.

Are there safer alternatives to Lipitor during breastfeeding?

Some physicians may consider switching mothers with very high cardiovascular risk to other lipid-lowering agents such as bile acid sequestrants, which are not significantly excreted into milk. Bile acid sequestrants are not significantly excreted into milk. The FDA label recommends discontinuing Lipitor or discontinuing breastfeeding, depending on the mother's clinical need.

When does Lipitor's exclusivity expire?

Lipitor's exclusivity has already expired. Lipitor is available as a generic.