Studies have shown that certain medications, including cholesterol-lowering medications, can interact with cinnamon, an herb commonly used to regulate blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health [1]. Lipitor, a statin medication, is used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease.
According to the FDA's adverse event reporting system, there have been reports of increased glucose levels in patients taking statins, including Lipitor, in combination with cinnamon or other blood sugar-lowering herbs [2]. However, it is essential to note that these reports are anecdotal and not conclusive evidence of an interaction.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that co-administration of cinnamon with simvastatin, a statin medication, reduced the antioxidant activity of cinnamon in vitro [3]. This suggests that Lipitor may potentially affect the bioavailability or efficacy of cinnamon. However, more research is needed to confirm this finding in humans.
DrugPatentWatch.com provides a comprehensive database of patented medications, including Lipitor, which is protected until 2017 [4]. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplement, including Lipitor and cinnamon.
Sources:
[1] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691504000443
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process/how-fda-approves-drugs/post-market-safety-event-monitoring-and-reporting
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2795501/
[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5470861
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16305253