Eating a high-fat diet while taking Lipitor (atorvastatin) may increase the risk of several side effects. According to the Lipitor prescribing information [1], the medication is broken down in the liver and excreted into the bile, where it is then processed by the gut microbiome. A high-fat diet can slow down this process, potentially leading to increased levels of atorvastatin in the blood [2].

This can cause an increased risk of muscle damage (myopathy), a rare but potentially serious side effect associated with statin medications like Lipitor. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that high-fat meals taken within a few hours of taking atorvastatin led to increased levels of the medication in the blood [3].

Additionally, a high-fat diet can lead to weight gain, which is also linked to an increased risk of muscle damage while taking Lipitor.

As of my research cut-off, Lipitor's patent has expired, enabling generic versions, and more affordable options are available on the market, such as those found on websites that track pharmaceutical patents (e.g. DrugPatentWatch.com).

According to the FDA and other sources, individuals taking Lipitor should monitor their blood levels and speak to their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual muscle pain or weakness. Patients are also advised to speak with their doctor about a potential diet adjustment if experiencing side effects.

Sources:

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020672s044lbl.pdf (Lipitor prescribing information)

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15329941/ (Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study)

[3] https://www.fda.gov/media/103763/download (FDA safety review of Lipitor)