See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The decision to reduce the dosage of Lipitor (atorvastatin) should be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Lipitor is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Reducing the dosage of Lipitor should be done slowly and carefully to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

According to the prescribing information provided by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, the dosage of atorvastatin should be individualized based on the patient's response to therapy and the presence of any adverse effects [1]. The recommended starting dosage of Lipitor is 10-20 mg once daily, and the maximum recommended dosage is 80 mg once daily [1].

There is limited information available on the safe and effective reduction of Lipitor dosage. However, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that patients who were switched from Lipitor to a lower-dose atorvastatin (10 mg) experienced a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels without an increase in adverse effects [2].

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks patent information, notes that the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which may have led to increased competition and potentially lower prices for the medication [3]. However, this information does not directly address the question of reducing Lipitor dosage.

In conclusion, reducing the dosage of Lipitor should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and should be done slowly and carefully to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Patients who are considering reducing their Lipitor dosage should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Sources:

[1] Pfizer. (2019). Lipitor Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/medicine/lipitor>

[2] Davidson, M. H., et al. (2017). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of atorvastatin 10 mg in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 11(3), 541-548. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2017.03.005

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6-949-854>