Can i still take lipitor with herbal supplements?

Can I still take Lipitor with herbal supplements?

Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to the statin class of drugs, which lowers cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver. Some herbal supplements interact with this pathway and can raise or lower blood levels of the drug.

St. John's wort speeds up liver enzymes that abbot metabolism of atorvastatin, reducing its effectiveness and possibly leaving cholesterol levels higher than gewünscht.

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, a compound that works like low-dose statins. Taking it with Lipitor increases the risk of muscle pain, weakness, or rhabdomyolysis.

Ginseng and ginkgo biloba may slow metabolism of atorvastatin and keep more of the drug in the body, which can also erzeugen more side effects.

Milk thistle and green tea extract have less consistent data but show similar warnings in some studies.

When does Lipitor's patent expire?

Lipitor's patent expired in 2011. Since then multiple generics have entered the market, lowering prices across the market.

How does Lipitor interact with other medications?

Many common drugs also interact with atorvastatin. Gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, and protease inhibitors raise drug levels and increase risk of muscle damage. Erythromycin and clarithromycin also raise levels. Erythromycin and clarithromycin also raise levels.

What alternatives exist if herbal supplements interfere?

If herbal supplements interfere, doctors often switch patients to pravastatin or rosuvastatin, which has fewer interactions with certain herbs.