Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. There could be several reasons why someone may switch to Lipitor, including its effectiveness, safety, and cost.
According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world before its patent expired in 2011. It was highly effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, also known as "bad" cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Lipitor works by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol levels, Lipitor helps to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
However, the high cost of Lipitor was a concern for many patients and healthcare providers. Once the patent expired, generic versions of atorvastatin became available, which are much less expensive than the brand-name drug. According to a Harvard Health Blog post [2], switching to generic Lipitor can save patients up to 90% on their prescription costs. The generic versions of atorvastatin are just as effective as the brand-name drug, as they contain the same active ingredient and are required by law to meet the same safety and quality standards.
In addition to cost savings, switching to Lipitor or its generic versions may also be beneficial for patients who experience side effects from other cholesterol-lowering drugs. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information [3], atorvastatin has a lower risk of causing muscle damage compared to other statins, which can be a serious side effect.
Overall, the decision to switch to Lipitor or its generic versions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. Factors such as the patient's cholesterol levels, medical history, and other medications they are taking should be taken into consideration when making a treatment plan.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/switching-to-generic-lipitor-201202064195
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548236/