Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin, a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 and is still under patent protection until 2027.

While Lipitor is generally considered safe and effective, like all medications, it can cause side effects. One of the potential side effects of Lipitor is liver damage, which can be severe in rare cases. A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine [2] found that the use of statins, including Lipitor, was associated with an increased risk of liver injury. However, the study also noted that the risk of liver injury was relatively low and that the benefits of statin therapy in reducing cardiovascular disease outweighed the risks of liver injury.

According to the Mayo Clinic [3], symptoms of liver damage from statins like Lipitor can include fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Patients taking Lipitor should be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider to check for signs of liver damage. It is important to note that liver damage from Lipitor is rare and that the benefits of taking the medication in reducing the risk of heart disease generally outweigh the risks of side effects.

In conclusion, Lipitor is a commonly prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol levels. While it can cause side effects, including liver damage, this is a rare occurrence. Patients taking Lipitor should be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider and report any symptoms of liver damage. As with any medication, patients should weigh the benefits and risks of Lipitor with their healthcare provider.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23247096211014050
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013