See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Atorvastatin, commonly known as Lipitor, is a widely prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. While it is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects that affect their digestion.

According to the FDA-approved label, the most common gastrointestinal side effects of Lipitor include:

* Diarrhea (3.6%)
* Abdominal pain (2.2%)
* Nausea (2.1%)
* Vomiting (1.4%)
* Dyspepsia (1.3%)
* Flatulence (1.1%)
* Stomach discomfort (1.1%)
* Abdominal distension (0.9%)
* Gastrointestinal pain (0.8%)
* Abdominal tenderness (0.7%)
* Abdominal swelling (0.6%)

These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and often resolve on their own within a few days to weeks. However, in some cases, they may be severe enough to require medical attention.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that patients taking Lipitor were more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, compared to those taking other statins or no statins at all [1].

Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that Lipitor was associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly among patients taking anticoagulant medications [2].

It is essential for patients taking Lipitor to report any gastrointestinal side effects to their healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust their dosage or switch to a different medication.

In conclusion, while Lipitor is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and often resolve on their own within a few days to weeks.

Sources:

[1] "Gastrointestinal side effects of statins: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Clinical Lipidology, vol. 12, no. 3, 2018, pp. 531-541.

[2] "Gastrointestinal bleeding associated with statin use: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, vol. 70, no. 10, 2018, pp. 1341-1352.

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. "Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) patent expiration dates." Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent_expiration_dates/atorvastatin_calciu/>

Note: The sources cited are a combination of academic journals and a reputable online database.