See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Atorvastatin, commonly known as Lipitor, is a widely prescribed statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While it is generally considered safe and effective, like all medications, it can cause rare but potentially serious side effects.

According to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which collects and analyzes reports of adverse events associated with medications, the frequency of rare side effects of Lipitor is difficult to determine due to the voluntary nature of reporting. However, the FDA's database does provide some insight into the types of adverse events reported.

One of the most significant concerns with Lipitor is the risk of muscle damage or rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney damage or failure. The FDA has received reports of rhabdomyolysis in patients taking Lipitor, particularly in those with pre-existing kidney disease or taking other medications that can interact with Lipitor.

Other rare but potentially serious side effects of Lipitor include:

1. Liver damage or hepatitis: The FDA has received reports of liver damage or hepatitis in patients taking Lipitor, particularly in those with pre-existing liver disease or taking other medications that can interact with Lipitor.
2. Memory loss or cognitive impairment: Some patients have reported memory loss or cognitive impairment while taking Lipitor, although the FDA has not established a causal link between the two.
3. Pancreatitis: The FDA has received reports of pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition, in patients taking Lipitor.
4. Blood disorders: Lipitor has been linked to rare cases of blood disorders, including agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

It's essential to note that the frequency of these rare side effects is difficult to determine due to the voluntary nature of adverse event reporting. However, the FDA's FAERS database and other sources provide some insight into the types of adverse events reported.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, making it a generic medication. This increased availability of generic Lipitor may have led to increased reporting of adverse events.

In conclusion, while rare, serious side effects of Lipitor can occur. Patients taking Lipitor should be aware of these potential risks and report any adverse events to their healthcare provider or the FDA's MedWatch program.

Sources:

1. FDA. (2020). Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/safety/pharmacovigilance-and-adverse-event-reporting>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6,479,744>
3. FDA. (2020). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020599s035lbl.pdf>

Note: The sources cited above are subject to change and may not reflect the most up-to-date information.