Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and has since become one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. However, like all medications, Lipitor has potential side effects that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of.

One potential side effect of Lipitor is liver damage. According to a book chapter published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information [2], statins like Lipitor can cause liver damage in some patients. However, the risk of liver damage from statins is generally low, and routine liver monitoring is not necessary for most patients taking these medications.

Despite this, the FDA has issued safety communications regarding statins and liver damage in the past. In 2012, the FDA announced important safety label changes for cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, including Lipitor [3]. The updated labels warned of potential liver damage and advised healthcare providers to monitor patients for signs of liver problems.

In summary, while Lipitor can potentially cause liver damage, routine liver monitoring is not necessary for most patients taking this medication. However, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for liver damage and monitor patients for signs of liver problems. Patients taking Lipitor should also be aware of the potential side effects of the medication and report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548236/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-important-safety-label-changes-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs