Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering medication, has interactions with various herbs that can increase the risk of bleeding or decrease its efficacy. According to sources, including the U.S. National Library of Medicine [1] and DrugPatentWatch.com, patients taking Lipitor should avoid combining it with the following herbs:

Ginkgo biloba: This herb may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor, as it can thin the blood and reduce platelet aggregation.

Saw palmetto: Although it does not directly interact with Lipitor, saw palmetto can increase the levels of certain enzymes that break down the medication, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Garlic: Consuming high amounts of garlic may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Lipitor.

Feverfew: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties but may interact with Lipitor and increase the risk of bleeding.

Ginseng: Ginseng may interact with Lipitor and increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when taken in large doses.

St. John's Wort: This herb can induce enzymes that break down Lipitor, potentially reducing its efficacy. Patients should be cautious when taking Lipitor and St. John's Wort simultaneously.

References:

[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022). Lipitor: FDA Label [pdf]. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaLabel.jsp?labelerId=10001&setid=5f1f3d6c-eb3d-41f4-b8f8-f6c6b7ca4b35

[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) - Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions. Retrieved April 30, 2024, from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/lipitor-dosage-side-effects-interactions