See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

After reviewing the available information, I can report that Lipitor, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, has been associated with certain side effects since its introduction to the market. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1996 [1].

The most common side effects of Lipitor include headache, diarrhea, and muscle pain [1]. These side effects were identified during the clinical trials leading up to the drug's approval [1]. More serious side effects, such as liver damage and muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis), have also been linked to Lipitor, but these are less common [1].

In 2012, the FDA updated the label for Lipitor and other statins to include a warning about the increased risk of diabetes [2]. This decision was based on the results of several clinical trials that suggested a link between statin use and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [2].

In conclusion, while Lipitor has been associated with several side effects since its introduction in 1996, the majority of these were identified during the drug's clinical trials. The FDA updated the drug's label in 2012 to include a warning about the increased risk of diabetes [1, 2].

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com, Lipitor (Atorvastatin) - Patent Expiration & Generic Entry, <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>.
[2] FDA, FDA Expands Advice on Statin Risks, <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fda-expands-advice-statin-risks>.