Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. The drug is currently available as a generic, and the patent for the brand-name drug expired in 2011 [1]. However, there are some approaches that have been studied to extend the time that Lipitor can be used effectively.

One approach is to combine Lipitor with other medications to improve its effectiveness. For example, a study published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases found that combining Lipitor with another medication called cilostazol may be more effective in preventing stroke than using Lipitor alone [3]. Another study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that combining Lipitor with another medication called ezetimibe may be more effective in lowering cholesterol levels than using Lipitor alone [2].

Another approach is to use Lipitor in combination with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that combining Lipitor with lifestyle changes may be more effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease than using Lipitor alone [3].

In conclusion, while the patent for the brand-name drug Lipitor has expired, there are approaches that have been studied to extend the time that the drug can be used effectively. These include combining Lipitor with other medications or lifestyle changes to improve its effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol levels.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958441/
[3] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.024150.