Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin calcium.
There is some evidence to suggest that abruptly stopping the use of statins, including Lipitor, can lead to a condition called rebound hypercholesterolemia, which is a sudden increase in cholesterol levels [2]. However, there is no clear evidence to suggest that Lipitor withdrawal can cause heart attacks.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who stopped taking statins did not have an increased risk of heart attack or death compared to those who continued taking the medication [3].
It is important to note that patients should not stop taking Lipitor or any other medication without first consulting their healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping the use of any medication can have adverse effects and should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
In conclusion, while stopping the use of Lipitor may lead to rebound hypercholesterolemia, there is no clear evidence to suggest that it can cause heart attacks. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before making any changes to their medication regimen.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31496499/
[3] https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/24/health/statins-side-effects-outcomes-study/index.html