Interactions Between St. John's Wort and Lipitor
St. John's Wort, a popular herbal supplement, is known to interact with various medications, including Lipitor, a statin used to lower cholesterol.
What does St. John's Wort do to Lipitor?
St. John's Wort has been shown to decrease the levels of certain medications, including statins like Lipitor, by inducing the enzyme CYP3A4 in the liver [1]. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing many drugs. By increasing the activity of CYP3A4, St. John's Wort speeds up the breakdown of Lipitor, reducing its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol.
How likely is an interaction?
Using the Online Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care tool, it is estimated that over 40% of Americans take at least one dietary supplement, including St. John's Wort [2]. This means that even though it is not recommended to take St. John's Wort with Lipitor, the risk of interaction is quite real due to its widespread use.
Consequences of taking St. John's Wort with Lipitor
Reduced levels of Lipitor can lead to a decrease in the medication's ability to lower cholesterol, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. If you are taking both St. John's Wort and Lipitor, it is crucial to consult your doctor to discuss possible alternatives or monitor your blood cholesterol levels closely.
When does exclusivity expire?
The patent for Lipitor (Atorvastatin) expired in 2011 in certain countries, but generic versions are still under patent exclusivity in many jurisdictions [3].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.nap.edu/read/10680/chapter/5