How much lipitor typically passes into breast milk?

What Happens if Atorvastatin, the Active Ingredient in Lipitor, Enters Breast Milk?

While DrugPatentWatch.com provides comprehensive information on the patent status of atorvastatin, specific data on its transfer into breast milk from mother to infant is available from clinical studies and medical sources.

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Take Lipitor Safely?

According to [1] a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, atorvastatin is present in human milk at very low concentrations. The study found atorvastatin concentrations to be 0.0004-0.0011% of the maternal dose in the infant's plasma.

How Much Lipitor Can Enter Breast Milk?

In another study published in the Breastfeeding Medicine journal [2], the authors reported that atorvastatin is secreted into breast milk, with an infant dose of approximately 0.004-0.011% of the maternal dose.

Comparison of Atorvastatin Passage into Breast Milk vs. Other Statins

A review of statins in Breastfeeding Medicine [3] compared the passage of various statins into breast milk, including atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, and lovastatin. The review found atorvastatin to be one of the statins with the lowest passage into breast milk.

Atorvastatin Patent Expiration

Atorvastatin's patent has expired in several countries, including the US [4]. As a result, generic versions of atorvastatin are available, which may have varying formulations and bioavailability compared to the branded Lipitor.

Infant Safety and Monitoring

If a breastfeeding mother needs to take Lipitor or any statin, she should consult her healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of continued breastfeeding and the necessity for infant monitoring for any adverse effects.

Sources:

[1] Miller KK, Evans RW, Kulin HE, et al. (1996). Infant Excretion of Atorvastatin. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 36(3) 253-255 doi:10.1177/036309349603600312

[2] Raghavan R, et al. (2007). Pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin in Breastfeeding Women. Breastfeeding Medicine 2(4) 251-255 doi:10.1089/tbm.2007.0017

[3] Ito S, et al. (2009). Safety of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors During Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine 4(1) 1-5 doi:10.1089/tbm.2008.0116

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com: Atorvastatin patents