Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to the Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor is a prescription drug that was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. The FDA classifies Lipitor as a Pregnancy Category X drug, which means that it is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may cause harm to a developing fetus [2]. However, there is limited information available on the safety of Lipitor during breastfeeding.
A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information [3] found that atorvastatin is present in human milk, but in very low concentrations. The study suggests that the amount of atorvastatin ingested by an infant through breast milk is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. However, it is important to note that this study was conducted on a small sample size and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
The FDA recommends that women who are breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before taking Lipitor or any other medication [2]. The healthcare provider can weigh the benefits of the medication against the potential risks to the infant and make an informed decision about whether to prescribe Lipitor or suggest an alternative treatment.
In conclusion, there is limited information available on the safety of Lipitor during breastfeeding. While a study suggests that the amount of atorvastatin ingested by an infant through breast milk is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, the FDA recommends that women who are breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before taking Lipitor or any other medication [2]. The healthcare provider can weigh the benefits of the medication against the potential risks to the infant and make an informed decision about whether to prescribe Lipitor or suggest an alternative treatment.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.fda.gov/media/150774/download
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501361/