Should lipitor be taken before or after eating oranges?

Does eating oranges affect Lipitor absorption?

Oranges do not interfere with how Lipitor (atorvastatin) works. The drug label lists grapefruit as the only citrus fruit that requires caution, because grapefruit contains compounds that raise atorvastatin blood levels and increase side-effect risk. Oranges lack these compounds.

What should you do around meal times?

Lipitor can be taken at any time of day, regardless of food. Taking it at the same time each day helps keep blood levels steady. If you eat oranges as part of a normal diet, you can do so before or after taking Lipitor.

How does grapefruit differ from oranges?

Grapefruit contains furanocoumarins that permanently disable an intestinal enzyme responsible for breaking down atorvastatin. This is why doctors advise against large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice when on Lipitor. Oranges contain none of these enzymes-blocking compounds.

When does the Lipitor patent expire?

The original U.S. composition-of-matter patent for atorvastatin expired in 2011. [1]