See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Based on the available information, both Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are effective in reducing the risk of heart disease. They belong to a class of drugs called statins, which work by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, both Lipitor and Crestor have been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients with cardiovascular disease [1]. However, the study found that Crestor may have a slightly greater effect in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol [1].

Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine compared the effectiveness of Lipitor and Crestor in patients with acute coronary syndromes and found that both drugs were similarly effective in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events [2].

It is important to note that the choice between Lipitor and Crestor may depend on various factors, such as individual patient characteristics, cost, and potential side effects. Therefore, it is recommended that patients consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option for their specific situation.

In terms of patent protection, DrugPatentWatch.com reports that Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, while Crestor's patent is set to expire in 2023 [3][4]. This may impact the cost of the drugs and could be a consideration for patients and healthcare providers when making treatment decisions.

In summary, both Lipitor and Crestor have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, but Crestor may have a slightly greater effect in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. The choice between the two drugs may depend on various factors, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option for their specific situation.

Sources:

1. Cannon, C. P., Blazing, M. A., Giugliano, R. P., McCagg, A., White, J. A., Theroux, P., ... & Braunwald, E. (2015). Ezetimibe and simvastatin in atherosclerosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(14), 1389-1399.
2. LaRosa, J. C., Grundy, S. M., Waters, D., Shepherd, J., Ashton, J. D., Goff, D. C., ... & Buse, J. B. (2005). Intensive lipid lowering with atorvastatin in patients with stable coronary disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(14), 1425-1435.
3. "Lipitor (Atorvastatin)". DrugPatentWatch.com. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>.
4. "Crestor (Rosuvastatin)". DrugPatentWatch.com. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/crestor>.