See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

When taking Lipitor (atorvastatin), a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels, it is recommended to have regular check-ups to monitor your cholesterol levels. According to the drug's official FDA-approved label, "Lipid levels should be monitored periodically and consideration should be given to adjusting the dosage as necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic response" [1]. However, the label does not provide specific guidelines on how frequently these check-ups should occur.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend that patients on statin therapy, such as Lipitor, should have a fasting lipid panel performed after 4-12 weeks of starting the therapy, or at the time of the next scheduled visit [2]. After that, lipid panels should be performed annually or more frequently if needed [2].

It is important to note that while Lipitor can help lower cholesterol levels, it is not a cure for high cholesterol. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation should be implemented and maintained [1].

In summary, it is recommended to have a lipid panel performed 4-12 weeks after starting Lipitor therapy, and then annually or more frequently if needed. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Sources:
[1] Atorvastatin (Lipitor) tablets, for oral use. Full Prescribing Information. Pfizer Labs. December 2019. Available at: <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020712s066,020713s057,020714s048lbl.pdf>.
[2] Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, Beam C, Birtcher KK, Blumenthal RS, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;139(25):e1082–e1143. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678.
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Drug Profile. Available at: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>.