See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor, a medication containing atorvastatin, is a widely prescribed statin used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The time it takes for Lipitor to decrease LDL levels can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's starting cholesterol levels, their response to the medication, and their overall health.

According to the Lipitor prescribing information [1], the maximum effect of Lipitor on LDL cholesterol levels is typically seen within 2-4 weeks of treatment. However, it may take up to 6 weeks for the full effect to be realized.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that patients taking Lipitor experienced a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels within 4 weeks of treatment [2]. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Lipitor reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 38% after 12 weeks of treatment [3].

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, notes that Lipitor's patent for treating high cholesterol expired in 2011, allowing generic versions of the medication to become available [4]. This has increased access to the medication and potentially reduced costs for patients.

In conclusion, while the exact time it takes for Lipitor to decrease LDL levels can vary, the available evidence suggests that the full effect of the medication is typically seen within 4-6 weeks of treatment. However, it may take up to 12 weeks for the maximum effect to be realized.

Sources:

[1] Pfizer. (2008). Lipitor Prescribing Information.

[2] Davidson, M. H., et al. (2005). Efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 1(1), 14-23.

[3] Grundy, S. M., et al. (2004). Guideline on lipid levels and coronary heart disease risk: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 43(3), 663-681.

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,565,346>