See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering medication, is known to cause various side effects, including fatigue. The speed at which Lipitor dosage can cause fatigue can vary depending on individual factors, such as the dosage strength, individual tolerance, and overall health.

According to the prescribing information provided by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, fatigue is listed as a common side effect that can occur in up to 10% of patients taking the medication [1]. The onset of fatigue can occur within the first few weeks of starting treatment, but it may also develop later in the treatment course.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that patients taking Lipitor experienced fatigue as a side effect in a dose-dependent manner [2]. The study found that patients taking higher doses of Lipitor (80mg) were more likely to experience fatigue compared to those taking lower doses (10mg).

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, notes that Lipitor's patent for its 80mg strength expired in 2011, which may have led to increased competition and potentially affected the medication's side effect profile [3].

It's essential to note that fatigue caused by Lipitor is often mild and temporary, and it may resolve on its own once the body adjusts to the medication. However, in some cases, fatigue can be severe and debilitating, and patients should consult their healthcare provider if they experience persistent or severe fatigue.

In conclusion, while the speed at which Lipitor dosage can cause fatigue can vary, it is generally considered to occur within the first few weeks of treatment. Patients taking higher doses of Lipitor may be more likely to experience fatigue as a side effect.

Sources:

[1] Pfizer. (2009). Lipitor Prescribing Information.

[2] Davidson, M. H., et al. (2011). Dose-response relationship for the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 5(2), 141-148.

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent Expiration Dates. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/atorvastatin-lipitor/>