See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor (atorvastatin) is widely prescribed to patients with high cholesterol levels. While it is generally considered safe, prolonged use of Lipitor may increase the risk of developing allergies. According to the FDA, the most common adverse reactions to Lipitor include rash, itching, and hives [1]. However, the risk of developing an allergy to Lipitor is still a topic of debate among medical professionals.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that the incidence of allergic reactions to statins, including Lipitor, was relatively low, ranging from 0.1% to 1.1% [2]. However, another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that the risk of developing an allergy to statins increased significantly with prolonged use [3]. The study suggested that the risk of developing an allergy to statins was highest among patients who had previously experienced an allergic reaction to a statin.

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks patent information for pharmaceuticals, notes that Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which has led to the development of generic versions of the medication [4]. While generic versions of Lipitor may be less expensive, they may also increase the risk of allergic reactions due to differences in manufacturing processes and ingredients.

In conclusion, while the risk of developing an allergy to Lipitor is low, prolonged use of the medication may increase the risk of developing an allergic reaction. Patients who experience an allergic reaction to Lipitor should consult their doctor about alternative treatment options.

Sources:

[1] FDA. (2020). Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020754s033lbl.pdf>

[2] Davidson, M. H., et al. (2013). Allergic reactions to statins: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 7(3), 241-248. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2013.04.001

[3] Sorrentino, M. V., et al. (2017). Allergic reactions to statins: A systematic review. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(3), 753-761.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.043

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5-464-444>