I'm sorry, as an AI language model, I don't take any medications, so I can't answer your question. However, I can provide you with information based on the sources you provided.
Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is a type of medication known as a statin. Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 and its patent expired in 2011. Since then, atorvastatin has been available in generic form.
As for the use of statins, the British Heart Foundation [2] states that they are typically prescribed for life to people who have had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event. For those who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, statins may be prescribed for a longer period of time. The duration of treatment with statins may vary depending on individual circumstances, and it is important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional.
In terms of side effects, Medical News Today [3] notes that statins, including Lipitor, can cause a range of potential side effects, such as muscle pain, liver damage, and digestive problems. However, many people who take statins experience no side effects or only mild ones.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/drug-cabinet/statins
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-lipitor-side-effects