Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin, which is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While taking Lipitor, it is essential to monitor liver function as it can cause liver damage in rare cases. According to a study [2], monitoring liver function is necessary to ensure the safety of the medication.
The FDA has issued a drug safety communication [3] regarding the use of statin drugs, including Lipitor. The communication emphasizes the importance of monitoring liver function in patients taking statins. The FDA recommends that healthcare providers should perform liver function tests before starting statin therapy and periodically thereafter.
DrugPatentWatch [1] provides information on Lipitor's patent status, but it does not offer any guidance on how to monitor liver function while taking the medication. However, healthcare providers may use the information provided by DrugPatentWatch to ensure that the medication is genuine and safe to use.
In conclusion, monitoring liver function is crucial while taking Lipitor to ensure the safety of the medication. Healthcare providers should perform liver function tests before starting statin therapy and periodically thereafter, as recommended by the FDA. It is also essential to use genuine and safe medication, which can be ensured by checking the medication's patent status.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5325661/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-important-safety-label-changes-cholesterol-lowering-statin-drugs