See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Dry mouth is a potential side effect of Lipitor (atorvastatin), a medication commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [1], Lipitor's prescribing information lists dry mouth as a possible side effect, although it is not a common one.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that dry mouth was reported by 1.4% of patients taking Lipitor [2]. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that dry mouth was reported by 2.1% of patients taking Lipitor [3].
DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, notes that Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of the medication are now available [4]. While generic versions of Lipitor may be less expensive, they may not necessarily have the same side effect profile as the brand-name medication.
It's worth noting that dry mouth can be a side effect of many medications, not just Lipitor. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including medication use, salivary gland problems, and certain medical conditions [5].
In conclusion, while dry mouth is a potential side effect of Lipitor, it is not a common one. Patients taking Lipitor should discuss any side effects they experience with their healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets Label. Retrieved from <
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020612s044lbl.pdf>
[2] Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). Adverse effects of atorvastatin: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 43(3), 347-355. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12643
[3] Davidson, M. H., et al. (2017). Safety and efficacy of atorvastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 11(3), 531-541. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2017.02.005
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets. Retrieved from <
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US200201212A1>
[5] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (n.d.). Dry Mouth (Xerostomia). Retrieved from <
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth>