Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin, a medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 and is still under patent protection until 2027.
Like any medication, Lipitor can have side effects. The Mayo Clinic [2] notes that common side effects of Lipitor include muscle pain and weakness, although these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. In rare cases, Lipitor can cause more serious side effects such as liver damage, kidney problems, and memory loss. However, the benefits of taking Lipitor usually outweigh the risks for most people who need to lower their cholesterol levels.
As for how Lipitor affects exercise routines, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology [3] found that taking atorvastatin did not significantly affect exercise performance in people with high cholesterol levels. The study included 16 men and women who took atorvastatin for six weeks and were then asked to perform a treadmill test. The researchers found that there was no significant difference in exercise performance between the participants before and after taking atorvastatin.
In conclusion, Lipitor is a medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While it can have side effects such as muscle pain and weakness, the benefits of taking Lipitor usually outweigh the risks for most people who need to lower their cholesterol levels. Taking atorvastatin does not appear to significantly affect exercise performance in people with high cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. However, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about how Lipitor or any other medication may affect your exercise routine.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28807461/