See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
According to Lipitor's official website, this medication is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke [1]. However, like all medications, Lipitor can cause side effects, including potential liver damage.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that Lipitor's label includes a warning about the potential for increased liver enzymes and liver damage [2]. The FDA advises that patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or loss of appetite [2].
DrugPatentWatch.com reports that Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, leading to the introduction of generic versions of the drug [3]. According to the website, Lipitor and its generic versions have been associated with cases of liver damage, including liver failure [3].
In summary, Lipitor has been linked to the potential for liver damage, including increased liver enzymes and liver failure. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms of liver problems.
Sources:
[1] Lipitor (atorvastatin) [Internet]. Pfizer.com. Pfizer; 2022 [cited 2023 Mar 2]. Available from: <
https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/lipitor>
[2] Lipitor (atorvastatin) tablets, for oral use: drug safety communication - risk of liver injury [Internet]. Fda.gov. Food and Drug Administration; 2012 [cited 2023 Mar 2]. Available from: <
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/lipitor-atorvastatin-tablets-oral-use-drug-safety-communication-risk-liver-injury>
[3] Lipitor (atorvastatin) - drug patent expiration dates, generic availability, and sales data [Internet]. DrugPatentWatch.com. DrugPatentWatch.com; 2023 [cited 2023 Mar 2]. Available from: <
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor-atorvastatin>