See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

St. John's Wort, a plant commonly used in herbal medicine, has been suggested to interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing their side effects. One such medication is Lipitor, a statin drug used to treat high cholesterol. However, it is important to note that the information available does not directly address the concurrent use of St. John's Wort and Lipitor's over-the-counter (OTC) forms, if any.

St. John's Wort is known to induce certain liver enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450, which metabolizes many medications, including Lipitor (atorvastatin) [1]. This interaction might increase the metabolism of atorvastatin, reducing its concentration in the body and potentially its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels [2].

However, the impact of this interaction on the overall risks of Lipitor use is not explicitly stated in the available information. It is generally recommended that individuals using prescription medications, including Lipitor, consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplements or medications, including St. John's Wort [3].

In summary, while the available information does not directly address the concurrent use of St. John's Wort and OTC forms of Lipitor, it does suggest that St. John's Wort may affect how the body metabolizes Lipitor, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Consulting a healthcare provider before combining these substances is advised.

Sources:
[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). St. John's Wort. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/952.html>
[2] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Atorvastatin. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601245.html>
[3] DrugPatentWatch. (2021). St. John's Wort Drug Interactions. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug-interactions/st-johns-wort>