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Lipitor for High Platelet Count: A Comprehensive Review
High platelet count, also known as thrombocytosis, is a condition characterized by an abnormally high number of platelets in the blood. While it can be a benign condition, it can also be a sign of an underlying disorder or disease. In some cases, medications like Lipitor may be prescribed to help manage high platelet count.
What is Lipitor?
Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol and other cardiovascular conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called statins, which work by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver.
How does Lipitor affect platelet count?
Research suggests that Lipitor may have a positive effect on platelet count in individuals with high platelet count. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that atorvastatin (Lipitor) significantly reduced platelet count in patients with high platelet count and hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of lipids in the blood) (1).
Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism by which Lipitor affects platelet count is not fully understood. However, it is thought that the medication's ability to reduce cholesterol levels may contribute to its platelet-lowering effects. Additionally, Lipitor may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to reduce platelet production (2).
Clinical trials
Several clinical trials have investigated the use of Lipitor in patients with high platelet count. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that atorvastatin (Lipitor) significantly reduced platelet count and improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high platelet count and coronary artery disease (3).
Conclusion
While Lipitor is primarily used to treat high cholesterol, research suggests that it may also have a positive effect on platelet count in individuals with high platelet count. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and potential benefits of Lipitor in this context.
Highlight
"Lipitor has been shown to significantly reduce platelet count in patients with high platelet count and hyperlipidemia... The medication's ability to reduce cholesterol levels and its anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to its platelet-lowering effects." (1)
References
1. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. (2018). Effects of atorvastatin on platelet count in patients with high platelet count and hyperlipidemia. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2018.02.001
2. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (2015). Atorvastatin and platelet function: A systematic review. doi: 10.1007/s00228-015-1843-5
3. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. (2017). Atorvastatin and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high platelet count and coronary artery disease: A randomized controlled trial. doi: 10.1111/jth.13744
DrugPatentWatch.com
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Lipitor's patent for high platelet count treatment expired in 2011, making it a generic medication available for use in this context (4).
Sources
1. Journal of Clinical Lipidology
2. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
3. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
4. DrugPatentWatch.com