No specific patient or case details are provided in the query, so there's no way to determine how long any individual has been taking Lipitor (atorvastatin), Pfizer's statin for lowering cholesterol.
When did Lipitor first become available?
Lipitor launched in the US in December 1996 after FDA approval. Patients starting then have taken it for nearly 28 years as of 2024.[1]
How long do patients typically stay on Lipitor?
Many continue long-term for cardiovascular risk management. Clinical trials showed use over 5 years; real-world data indicates average durations of 2–5 years, with some on it lifelong unless switching due to side effects or generics.[2][3]
When did generic atorvastatin enter the market?
Pfizer's main Lipitor patents expired in 2011, allowing generics from multiple makers like Ranbaxy and Watson. US exclusivity ended November 30, 2011. Patients switching then stopped brand Lipitor after 15 years max.4
For patent timelines, see DrugPatentWatch.com.4
[1]: FDA approval history, fda.gov
[2]: Lancet study on atorvastatin long-term use (2005)
[3]: JAMA analysis of statin adherence (2017)