According to the sources provided, there is limited information specifically addressing whether patients are experiencing fewer side effects from Lipitor (atorvastatin) in recent years. However, we can gather some insights from the available data.

Lipitor is a widely prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which are known to have potential side effects. The sources indicate that the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, leading to the availability of generic versions of the drug [1]. This increased availability may have influenced the overall usage of Lipitor and potentially affected the reporting and monitoring of side effects.

The study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation Research in 2018 analyzed the safety and efficacy of statins, including Lipitor. It highlighted that statins, in general, have been shown to have a good safety profile, with most side effects being mild and reversible [2]. However, this study did not specifically focus on the trends in Lipitor side effects over time.

Another source, a review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's PubMed Central, discussed the safety and tolerability of atorvastatin (Lipitor) in comparison to other statins. It concluded that atorvastatin has a favorable safety profile, with most side effects being rare and manageable [3]. However, this review did not provide information on whether the frequency or severity of side effects has changed over time.

In summary, while the sources do not directly address whether patients are experiencing fewer Lipitor side effects in recent years, they suggest that Lipitor and statins, in general, have a good safety profile with most side effects being manageable and reversible. However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized information and guidance.

Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch. Lipitor Patent and Exclusivity Expiry Profile. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] Circulation Research. Safety and Efficacy of Statins in Asians. Retrieved from https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.312782
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information. Atorvastatin: Review of Safety and Tolerability. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958441/