See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor: A Prescription Medication for High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol. Developed by Pfizer, Lipitor is a statin that works by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, in the blood.

How Lipitor Works

Lipitor works by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver. This allows the liver to remove more cholesterol from the bloodstream, which in turn reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. By reducing LDL cholesterol, Lipitor can help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Benefits of Lipitor

Studies have shown that Lipitor can be an effective treatment for high cholesterol. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that patients who took Lipitor had a significant reduction in their LDL cholesterol levels compared to those who took a placebo. Additionally, Lipitor has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.

Side Effects of Lipitor

Like all medications, Lipitor can cause side effects. Common side effects of Lipitor include:

* Muscle pain or weakness
* Headache
* Stomach pain
* Nausea or vomiting
* Diarrhea

In rare cases, Lipitor can cause more serious side effects, such as:

* Muscle damage or weakness
* Liver damage
* Kidney damage

Patent Information

Lipitor was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and was initially protected by a patent that expired in 2011. However, Pfizer has since developed a number of generic versions of Lipitor, which are available at a lower cost.

Cost of Lipitor

The cost of Lipitor can vary depending on the dosage and form of the medication. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the average cost of a 30-day supply of Lipitor 10mg tablets is around $150. However, prices can vary depending on the pharmacy and location.

Conclusion

Lipitor is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol. It works by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. While it can cause side effects, the benefits of Lipitor often outweigh the risks. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about whether Lipitor may be right for you.

Sources:

1. "Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - FDA Label" (PDF). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
2. "Lipitor (atorvastatin) - Drug Information". MedlinePlus.
3. "Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - Clinical Pharmacology". Medscape.
4. "Lipitor (atorvastatin) - Patient Information". Pfizer.
5. "Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - Patent Information". DrugPatentWatch.com.