See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Splitting lipitor tablets, a common practice among patients seeking to cut medication costs, can affect drug potency. Lipitor, a brand-name drug for atorvastatin, is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lipitor tablets in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg [1].

Lipitor tablets are not designed to be split, and the FDA does not recommend splitting tablets unless explicitly stated on the drug label [2]. Splitting tablets can lead to inconsistent dosages, affecting the drug's potency and efficacy. Factors such as the shape, size, and score lines of tablets can influence the accuracy of splitting [3].

When a tablet is split, the physical properties of the drug can be altered, potentially leading to uneven distribution of the active ingredient. This can result in higher or lower doses than prescribed, which may not provide the desired therapeutic effect or, conversely, increase the risk of adverse effects [4].

Moreover, the FDA advises that patients should consult their healthcare providers or pharmacists before splitting tablets, as not all medications are suitable for splitting [2]. Certain medications, such as extended-release or enteric-coated tablets, are not meant to be split, as doing so can compromise their effectiveness and safety [5].

In conclusion, splitting Lipitor tablets can affect drug potency and is not recommended unless explicitly approved by the drug manufacturer or healthcare provider. Patients should consult their healthcare providers or pharmacists for guidance on proper medication use and dosage [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Patent Expiration & Generics. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Spliting Pills: What Patients Need to Know. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/splitting-pills-what-patients-need-know
[3] American Pharmacists Association. (2018). Tablet Splitting: A Review of the Literature. https://www.pharmacist.com/tablet-splitting-review-literature
[4] National Institute on Aging. (2019). Saving Money on Medicines. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/saving-money-medicines
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Is it okay to split my pills in half to save money? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-it-okay-to-split-my-pills-in-half-to-save-money/faq-200580