Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Like any other medication, it can cause side effects that need to be monitored. According to the National Health Service (NHS) [2], patients taking Lipitor should be monitored regularly to check for any side effects. The frequency of monitoring will depend on the patient's individual risk factors, medical history, and other medications they may be taking.

The prescribing information for Lipitor recommends that liver function tests should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter [1]. This is because Lipitor can cause liver damage in rare cases. The frequency of liver function tests will depend on the patient's individual risk factors, but it is generally recommended that they are done every six months to a year [3].

In addition to liver function tests, patients taking Lipitor should also be monitored for muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness [3]. These symptoms can be a sign of a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause muscle damage and kidney failure. If a patient experiences these symptoms, they should stop taking Lipitor immediately and seek medical attention.

In conclusion, patients taking Lipitor should be monitored regularly for side effects. The frequency of monitoring will depend on the patient's individual risk factors, medical history, and other medications they may be taking. Liver function tests should be performed before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, and patients should also be monitored for muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness. If a patient experiences any side effects, they should stop taking Lipitor immediately and seek medical attention.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. Lipitor. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] NHS. Statins. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/statins/considerations/
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information. Statins: Drug Class Review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430779/