Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a medication that is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in patients. While it is an effective drug, there are some potential side effects that patients should be aware of. One of these side effects is muscle loss, which can occur in some patients who take the drug.

According to DrugPatentWatch [1], Lipitor's half-life is approximately 14 hours, meaning it takes about 14 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. However, it is important to note that muscle loss is not an immediate side effect of the drug. In fact, it can take several weeks or even months for patients to notice muscle loss.

The Mayo Clinic [2] states that muscle loss can occur in some patients who take statins, including Lipitor. This is because statins can cause muscle damage or inflammation, which can lead to muscle loss over time. However, it is important to note that muscle loss is a rare side effect of the drug and occurs in less than 1% of patients who take it.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology [3] found that muscle loss can occur in patients who take statins for a long period of time, typically several months or more. The study also found that patients who are older, female, or who have kidney disease may be at a higher risk for muscle loss.

In conclusion, muscle loss is a potential side effect of Lipitor, but it is rare and typically occurs in patients who take the drug for several months or more. Patients who are concerned about muscle loss should talk to their doctor about their concerns and any potential risk factors they may have.

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/PMC2949584/