Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is a type of statin used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor is a prescription medication that was first approved by the FDA in 1996. Statins, including Lipitor, work by blocking an enzyme that the liver uses to make cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain compounds that can interfere with the way the body breaks down certain medications, including statins like Lipitor. According to GoodRx [2], grapefruit can increase the level of Lipitor in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and kidney failure. Therefore, it is recommended that people taking Lipitor avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

The NHS [3] confirms that grapefruit can interact with a range of medications, including statins, and recommends that people speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether a particular medication is affected by grapefruit.

In conclusion, grapefruit can increase the side effects of Lipitor by increasing the level of the drug in the bloodstream. Therefore, people taking Lipitor should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. If you are unsure whether a particular medication is affected by grapefruit, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.goodrx.com/classes/statins/why-cant-i-have-grapefruit-with-my-statin
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/does-grapefruit-affect-my-medicine/