Based on the provided sources, Lipitor's effectiveness does not appear to vary significantly over time. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver.
According to the drug patent information from DrugPatentWatch, Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of the drug are available. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug and are considered to be equally effective [1]. This suggests that Lipitor's effectiveness remains consistent over time, as generic versions are able to provide the same therapeutic benefits.
The UpToDate article provides an overview of lipid treatment options, including statins like Lipitor. It states that statins are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The article does not mention any significant variations in Lipitor's effectiveness over time [2].
Additionally, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database examined the long-term effectiveness of atorvastatin (Lipitor) in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. The study found that atorvastatin consistently reduced LDL cholesterol levels over a period of 24 weeks, with no significant decline in its effectiveness over time [3].
In conclusion, based on the provided sources, there is no evidence to suggest that Lipitor's effectiveness varies significantly over time. Lipitor and its generic versions are considered equally effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch: Lipitor Patent and Exclusivity Information. Retrieved from: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] UpToDate: High cholesterol and lipid treatment options (Beyond the Basics). Retrieved from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-and-lipid-treatment-options-beyond-the-basics/print
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information: Long-term efficacy of atorvastatin therapy in childhood: results from the RADAR study. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859299/