See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The decision to perform a liver function test before prescribing Lipitor (atorvastatin) depends on various factors, including the patient's medical history, current health status, and the presence of any underlying liver disease.

According to the Lipitor prescribing information, atorvastatin is generally well-tolerated, and liver function tests are not typically required before starting therapy [1]. However, patients with pre-existing liver disease or those who have experienced liver enzyme elevations during previous statin therapy may require more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes [1].

The FDA-approved labeling for Lipitor states that liver function tests should be performed before initiating therapy in patients with a history of liver disease or those who have experienced liver enzyme elevations during previous statin therapy [2]. Additionally, patients with a history of liver disease or those who have experienced liver enzyme elevations during previous statin therapy should have their liver function monitored regularly during treatment with Lipitor [2].

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, researchers found that patients with a history of liver disease or those who have experienced liver enzyme elevations during previous statin therapy were more likely to experience liver enzyme elevations during treatment with atorvastatin [3]. This study suggests that liver function tests may be necessary in these patients to monitor for potential liver toxicity.

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, notes that Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which has led to the availability of generic versions of the medication [4]. However, this information is not directly related to the requirement for liver function tests before prescribing Lipitor.

In conclusion, while liver function tests are not typically required before starting Lipitor therapy in healthy individuals, patients with pre-existing liver disease or those who have experienced liver enzyme elevations during previous statin therapy may require more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes. Healthcare providers should consider the patient's medical history and current health status when deciding whether to perform liver function tests before prescribing Lipitor.

Sources:

[1] Pfizer. (2019). Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets prescribing information. Retrieved from <https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=VTR-000001>

[2] Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020612s024lbl.pdf>

[3] Davidson, M. H., et al. (2017). Liver enzyme elevations during treatment with atorvastatin: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 11(2), 241-253. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2017.02.001

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) patent expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6-803-444>