Lipitor is a commonly prescribed medication for lowering cholesterol levels. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which allowed other pharmaceutical companies to produce generic versions of the drug. This suggests that the drug has been in use for a long time and has proven to be effective enough to warrant the development of generic versions.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [2] found that statins, including Lipitor, are effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with high cholesterol levels. The study concluded that statins should be the first-line therapy for patients with high cholesterol levels.

Another recent study, reported by NPR [3], found that supplements marketed as cholesterol-lowering agents are not as effective as statins in reducing cholesterol levels. The study showed that while supplements such as red yeast rice and omega-3 fatty acids can lower cholesterol levels, they are not as effective as statins in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In conclusion, the sources suggest that Lipitor is an effective medication for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. While there are other options available, such as supplements, the evidence suggests that statins like Lipitor should be the first-line therapy for patients with high cholesterol levels.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859299/
[3] https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/11/06/1134094540/statins-vs-supplements-new-study-finds-one-is-vastly-superior-to-cut-cholesterol