See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The recommended dose of Lipitor (atorvastatin) for the prevention of cardiovascular disease varies depending on the individual's health status, age, and other factors. According to the drug's manufacturer, Pfizer, the usual starting dose is 10-20mg once daily, and it can be increased up to 80mg once daily [1]. However, the specific dose for prevention should be determined by a healthcare professional.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend considering moderate-intensity statin therapy in adults aged 40 to 75 years without a history of cardiovascular disease who have one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors and a calculated 10-year risk of a first hard atherosclerotic cardiovascular event of 7.5% or higher [2]. High-intensity statin therapy is recommended in adults aged 40 to 75 years without a history of cardiovascular disease who have a calculated 10-year risk of a first hard atherosclerotic cardiovascular event of 20% or higher [2].

It is important to note that Lipitor, like all medications, can have side effects. Common side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, and muscle pain. More serious side effects are rare but can occur, such as liver damage and muscle weakness [1].

In terms of cost, Lipitor is available as a generic medication (atorvastatin) which is typically less expensive than the brand-name version. The exact cost will depend on the pharmacy and insurance coverage. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Lipitor expired in November 2011, which has led to the availability of generic alternatives [3].

In conclusion, the dose of Lipitor for prevention should be determined by a healthcare professional. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend considering moderate- to high-intensity statin therapy in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Lipitor is available as a generic medication, which may be less expensive than the brand-name version.

Sources:
[1] Lipitor (atorvastatin) [PDF]. Pfizer. Revised February 2019. Available from: <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020762s053lbl.pdf>.
[2] Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, Buroker AB, Goldberger ZD, Hahn EJ, Himmelfarb CD, Khera A, Lloyd-Jones D, McEvoy JW, Michos ED, Miedema MD, Muñoz D, Smith SC Jr, Virani SS, Williams KA Sr, Yeboah J. 2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;140(11):e563-e595. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. Atorvastatin. Available from: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin>.