Based on the provided sources, there is no direct information about any variation in Lipitor's effectiveness as time passes. However, we can gather some insights from the sources to help us understand the drug's effectiveness over time.
Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases [1]. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which are known for their effectiveness in managing high cholesterol levels.
The first source, Drug Patent Watch, provides information about the patent status of Lipitor. It indicates that the drug's patent expired in 2011, allowing for the production of generic versions of atorvastatin. This suggests that Lipitor has been on the market for a significant amount of time and has been widely used.
The second source, an article published in the American Heart Association's journal, discusses the benefits of statins in cardiovascular disease prevention. It mentions that statins, including atorvastatin, have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in both short-term and long-term use. However, the article does not specifically address any potential variation in effectiveness over time [2].
The third source, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's database, focuses on the long-term efficacy and safety of atorvastatin. It states that atorvastatin has been proven to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular events over a period of five years. The study does not mention any decline in effectiveness over time [3].
Based on the available information, it can be inferred that Lipitor, or atorvastatin, remains effective in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events over time. However, it is important to note that individual responses to medications may vary, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
In conclusion, while the sources do not provide explicit information about any variation in Lipitor's effectiveness as time passes, they suggest that the drug remains effective in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events over both short-term and long-term use.
Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch: Lipitor - https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] American Heart Association Journals: Statins in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease - https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.312782
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information: Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Atorvastatin in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676271/