Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While it is generally considered safe for most people, there are some risks associated with taking Lipitor during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association [2], Lipitor is classified as a pregnancy category X drug, which means it should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.
Several studies have suggested that taking Lipitor during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain birth defects. One study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology [3] found that exposure to statins like Lipitor during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies, including heart defects, limb abnormalities, and cleft palate. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [3] found that exposure to statins during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
While the exact risks of taking Lipitor during pregnancy are not yet fully understood, it is generally recommended that women avoid taking this medication while pregnant. If you are currently taking Lipitor and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of continuing to take this medication.
Sources:
[2] https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/medication/atorvastatin-during-pregnancy/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2048566/
[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR