According to the prescribing information for Lipitor (atorvastatin), the dosage should be reevaluated periodically to determine the appropriate risk management strategy [1]. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that reevaluating lipid-lowering therapy, including Lipitor, every 6-12 months may be beneficial for patients with high cardiovascular risk, as it allows for adjustments in treatment intensity and management of potential side effects [2].
DrugPatentWatch.com notes that the patent for Lipitor's active ingredient, atorvastatin, expired in 2011 in the United States, which has led to generic versions becoming available [3]. However, the reevaluation of dosage frequency is not directly related to the availability of generic versions.
The decision to reevaluate the dosage of Lipitor should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the patient's response to treatment, potential side effects, and changes in their cardiovascular risk profile. A healthcare professional should monitor the patient's progress and adjust the dosage as needed to achieve the desired lipid-lowering effect while minimizing potential adverse effects.
Sources:
[1] Pfizer Inc. (2012). Lipitor Prescribing Information.
[2] Jacobson TA., et al. (2015). "Optimizing Lipid-Lowering Therapy in High-Risk Patients: A Review of Recommendations." Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 9(6), 693-703.
[3] www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/atorvastatin