Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is a type of statin used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. While Lipitor has been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, there are some potential risks associated with taking it long term.

One of the most common side effects of taking Lipitor is muscle pain and weakness [2]. This is because statins can interfere with the production of a protein called coenzyme Q10, which is important for muscle function. In rare cases, this can lead to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is a breakdown of muscle tissue that can cause kidney damage [2].

Another potential risk of taking Lipitor long term is liver damage [1]. Statins can cause an increase in liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver damage. While this is usually not a serious problem, in rare cases it can lead to liver failure.

In addition to these risks, some studies have suggested that long-term use of statins like Lipitor may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes [3]. However, the evidence on this is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between statins and diabetes.

Overall, while Lipitor can be an effective treatment for high cholesterol, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with taking it long term. Patients should talk to their doctors about any concerns they may have and should report any side effects they experience while taking the medication.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4059187/