See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor, a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, can potentially cause several oral complications. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Lipitor's active ingredient is atorvastatin calcium [1]. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not list specific oral complications as a direct side effect of Lipitor, some oral issues have been reported in relation to its use.

One potential oral complication associated with Lipitor is mouth sores or oral ulcers [2]. These sores can appear as white or yellow spots in the mouth and can be painful. While the exact cause of these sores is not known, they may be related to a decrease in immune function, which can occur as a side effect of Lipitor [3].

Another potential oral complication of Lipitor is dry mouth [4]. Dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease, as saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath and difficulty swallowing.

Additionally, Lipitor may increase the risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection that causes white or yellow patches in the mouth [5]. Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medications, but it is important to address any underlying conditions, such as high cholesterol, to prevent recurrence.

It is important to note that while these oral complications have been reported in relation to Lipitor use, they are not necessarily caused by the medication. Other factors, such as underlying medical conditions or the use of other medications, may contribute to these complications. If you experience any oral symptoms while taking Lipitor, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>
2. Mayo Clinic. (2021, April 23). Mouth sores. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20371285>
3. National Library of Medicine. (2021, March 12). Atorvastatin. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601262.html>
4. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Dry mouth. Retrieved from <https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-mouth>
5. Mayo Clinic. (2021, April 23). Oral thrush. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533>