See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Recent research has found that Lipitor, a popular cholesterol-lowering drug, does not increase the risk of liver damage [1]. This is contrary to previous concerns that Lipitor and other statins might cause liver problems.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2020 analyzed data from over 13 million patients and found no association between Lipitor use and liver injury [2]. The researchers concluded that "these findings provide reassurance regarding the safety of statins with respect to liver outcomes."

This research is particularly significant because Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer, is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the world. Concerns about its potential impact on liver health have been a topic of debate for many years.

The findings of this study are consistent with the position of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which states that "liver enzyme abnormalities" are "usually not clinically important" and "reversible" [3].

It is important to note that while Lipitor has been shown to be safe for liver health, it can still cause other side effects, such as muscle pain and digestive problems. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

In summary, recent research has found that Lipitor does not increase the risk of liver damage, providing reassurance for the many patients who take this medication to manage their cholesterol levels.

Sources:

1. "Lipitor and Liver Damage: What You Need to Know." DrugPatentWatch.com, 2021, <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/lipitor-liver-damage/>.
2. Jariwala, Nilesh, et al. "Contemporary Analysis of Statin-Associated Liver Injury in a Large Cohort of Patients." Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 75, no. 18, 2020, pp. 2251–2261., doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2020.02.081.
3. "Statins: Medication Guide." FDA, 2021, <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/statins-medication-guide>.