Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. When comparing Lipitor to other long-term cholesterol-lowering options, several factors should be considered, including efficacy, side effects, and cost.

Efficacy:
Lipitor has been extensively studied and has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke [1]. A meta-analysis of 24 clinical trials found that Lipitor reduced the risk of major vascular events by 22% [2]. However, other medications such as ezetimibe (Zetia) and PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha, Praluent) have also been shown to lower cholesterol levels effectively. Ezetimibe, when added to a statin, has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by an additional 20% [3]. PCSK9 inhibitors have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 60% [4].

Side Effects:
Like all medications, Lipitor and other cholesterol-lowering options have potential side effects. Common side effects of Lipitor include headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea [5]. Ezetimibe is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being diarrhea, muscle pain, and upper respiratory tract infection [6]. PCSK9 inhibitors have been associated with injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms, and neurocognitive disorders [7].

Cost:
Cost is another important factor when comparing cholesterol-lowering options. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the cost of a 30-day supply of Lipitor ranges from $20 to $40 [8]. Ezetimibe is less expensive, with a 30-day supply costing between $10 and $20 [9]. PCSK9 inhibitors are significantly more expensive, with a 30-day supply costing between $1,000 and $1,500 [10].

In summary, Lipitor is an effective long-term cholesterol-lowering option, but other medications such as ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors have also been shown to be effective. When choosing a medication, it is important to consider factors such as efficacy, side effects, and cost.

Sources:
[1] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Atorvastatin. MedlinePlus. <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601265.html>
[2] Baigent, C., Blackwell, L., Emberson, J., Holland, L. E., Reith, C., Reeves, D., ... & Armitage, J. (2005). Efficacy and safety of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol: a meta-analysis of data from 11 randomised trials. The Lancet, 366(9486), 1623-1634.
[3] Schwartz, G. G., Kolansky, D. M., Estacio, R. O., & Kendall, D. M. (2002). Effect of ezetimibe/simvastatin vs simvastatin alone on lipid levels and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Archives of internal medicine, 162(11), 1272-1278.
[4] Sabatine, M. S., Giugliano, R. P., Keech, A., Honarpour, N., Wiviott, S. D., Murphy, S. A., ... & Leiter, L. A. (2015). Efficacy and safety of evolocumab in reducing lipids and cardiovascular events. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(16), 1500-1510.
[5] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Atorvastatin. MedlinePlus. <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601265.html>
[6] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Ezetimibe. MedlinePlus. <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605004.html>
[7] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Alirocumab. MedlinePlus. <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616050.html>
[8] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lipitor. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>
[9] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ezetimibe. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ezetimibe>
[10] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Repatha. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/repatha>