Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, while garlic is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Although garlic is generally considered safe, there are potential risks associated with combining it with Lipitor.

According to Drug Patent Watch [1], there are no known drug interactions between Lipitor and garlic. However, this does not necessarily mean that there are no risks associated with combining the two.

A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology [3] suggests that garlic may interfere with the metabolism of atorvastatin, which could potentially increase the risk of side effects such as muscle pain and liver damage. The study found that garlic extract inhibited the activity of the liver enzyme responsible for metabolizing atorvastatin, which could lead to higher levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics [2] also suggests that garlic may interact with atorvastatin, although the exact mechanism of this interaction is not yet fully understood. The study found that garlic supplementation reduced the effectiveness of atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol.

In conclusion, while there are no known drug interactions between Lipitor and garlic, there may be potential risks associated with combining the two. Garlic may interfere with the metabolism of atorvastatin, which could increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Patients taking Lipitor should talk to their healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements or making any significant changes to their diet.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326922/
[3] https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjecr-2020-0058