Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor is a prescription drug that was first approved by the FDA in 1996. It is manufactured by Pfizer and is still under patent protection until 2027.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine [3] found that atorvastatin was effective in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. The study concluded that atorvastatin was safe and well-tolerated by patients.
However, as with any medication, Lipitor can have side effects. According to the National Library of Medicine [2], common side effects of atorvastatin include muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, as well as headache, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause serious side effects such as liver damage, muscle breakdown, and kidney failure.
If you are recovering from a medical condition and taking Lipitor, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to continue taking the medication. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits of Lipitor against the potential risks and side effects, and determine whether there are alternative treatments that may be more appropriate for your situation.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548236/
[3] https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa061894