Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is a type of statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of atorvastatin are now available.

In terms of long-term effectiveness, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [3] compared the effectiveness of atorvastatin to other statins and found that atorvastatin was more effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels than other statins. The study also found that atorvastatin was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke compared to other statins.

However, there are alternatives to atorvastatin that can also be effective in lowering cholesterol levels. The British Heart Foundation [2] recommends several alternatives to statins, including ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, and PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications work in different ways to lower cholesterol levels and may be a good option for people who cannot tolerate statins or who do not respond well to them.

In summary, while atorvastatin (Lipitor) has been shown to be effective at reducing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, there are alternatives to statins that may also be effective. It is important for individuals to work with their healthcare provider to determine the best medication for their individual needs and to monitor their cholesterol levels regularly to ensure that their treatment is effective.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/cholesterol-lowering-alternatives
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380691/