Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a commonly prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to the drug label, Lipitor can be taken with or without food. However, there is some evidence that taking Lipitor with a meal may affect its effectiveness.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that taking Lipitor with a high-fat meal reduced the absorption of the drug by 32%. The study also found that taking Lipitor with a low-fat meal reduced the absorption of the drug by 11%. This suggests that taking Lipitor with food, especially a high-fat meal, may reduce its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels.

The FDA has also issued a safety communication regarding the use of statin drugs, including Lipitor. The communication states that the effectiveness of statins may be reduced when taken with certain foods, such as grapefruit juice. However, the communication does not specifically mention the effect of meals on the effectiveness of Lipitor.

In summary, while the drug label for Lipitor indicates that it can be taken with or without food, there is some evidence that taking Lipitor with a meal, especially a high-fat meal, may reduce its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider about the best way to take Lipitor to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9541393/
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-important-safety-label-changes-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR