See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Recent studies have not indicated significant changes to the maintenance dosing of Lipitor, a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol. However, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology in 2020 [1] did find that high-intensity statin therapies, which include Lipitor, are effective in reducing cardiovascular events in a wide range of patients, reaffirming their importance in treatment guidelines.

It is important to note that any changes to medication dosages should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can consider individual patient factors such as other health conditions, potential drug interactions, and personal response to treatment.

In terms of patent status, Lipitor's patent expired in 2011 [2], which has led to the availability of generic versions of the drug. This can impact cost and accessibility, but does not affect the recommended dosing regimen for the medication.

In summary, recent studies have not resulted in changes to the maintenance dosing of Lipitor. The medication remains an effective high-intensity statin therapy for reducing cardiovascular events in a wide range of patients. Any decisions about dosage adjustments should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Sources:
[1] Journal of Clinical Lipidology, "2018 ACC/AHA Multisociety Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines", <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1933287420300503>
[2] DrugPatentWatch, "Lipitor (Atorvastatin) PATENT INFORMATION", <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>