Lipitor is a prescription medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin calcium. According to the Drug Patent Watch website [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which means that other companies can now produce generic versions of the drug. However, this does not necessarily mean that expired Lipitor is still effective.
According to an article on the Harvard Health Publishing website [2], drug expiration dates are not always a reliable indicator of whether a medication is still effective. In fact, many medications can still be safe and effective for years after their expiration date has passed. However, this is not always the case, and it is important to use caution when taking expired medications.
The effectiveness of expired Lipitor will depend on a number of factors, including how long it has been expired, how it has been stored, and the conditions under which it was manufactured. As a general rule, it is best to avoid taking expired medications, as there is a risk that they may no longer be effective or could even be harmful.
An article on the NPR website [3] notes that the expiration dates on medications are often conservative estimates, and that many medications are still effective for years after their expiration date has passed. However, this does not mean that it is safe to take expired medications, as there is still a risk that they may have degraded or become contaminated over time.
In conclusion, while it is possible that expired Lipitor may still be effective, it is generally not recommended to take expired medications. If you have any concerns about the effectiveness or safety of your medication, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/drug-expiration-dates-do-they-mean-anything
[3] https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/07/18/537257884/that-drug-expiration-date-may-be-more-myth-than-fact