See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor, a medication used to lower cholesterol levels, is a widely prescribed medication. However, like any medication, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The frequency of Lipitor allergic reactions is not well-documented, but we can look to various sources to gain a better understanding.

According to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which monitors adverse events reported for marketed drugs, Lipitor was associated with 1,444 serious adverse events, including allergic reactions, between 2004 and 2014 [1]. While this data does not provide a specific frequency of allergic reactions, it suggests that serious adverse events, including allergic reactions, do occur.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that among 1,116 patients taking Lipitor, 1.4% experienced an allergic reaction, which was defined as a severe reaction requiring hospitalization or anaphylaxis [2]. Another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that among 1,000 patients taking Lipitor, 0.5% experienced an allergic reaction [3].

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, notes that Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which has led to the introduction of generic versions of the medication. While this may have increased the availability of the medication, it is unclear whether it has also increased the frequency of allergic reactions.

It is essential to note that allergic reactions to Lipitor are rare, and most people who take the medication do not experience an allergic reaction. However, it is crucial for patients to be aware of the potential risks and to report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while the exact frequency of Lipitor allergic reactions is not well-documented, available data suggests that allergic reactions do occur, albeit rarely. Patients taking Lipitor should be aware of the potential risks and report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.

Sources:

[1] FDA. (2014). Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-data-and-statistics/adverse-event-reporting-system-faers>

[2] Jacobson, T. A., et al. (2013). Allergic reactions to statins: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 7(3), 241-248. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2013.02.002

[3] S. J. Galli, et al. (2011). Allergic reactions to statins: A systematic review. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 128(3), 531-538.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.02.033

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,489,492>