See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Based on the information available, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to whether the discomfort with Lipitor specifically improved over time. However, it is possible to discuss the general trend of patient tolerance to statins, the class of drugs that Lipitor belongs to.

Statins, including Lipitor, are a widely prescribed class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [1]. While these medications have been proven effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes, they can cause side effects such as muscle pain and weakness, liver damage, and digestive problems [2].

In general, studies have shown that patients tend to tolerate statins better over time [3]. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs found that the discontinuation rate of statins due to side effects decreased over time, with the majority of discontinuations occurring within the first year of treatment [4].

Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that patients who reported muscle-related side effects while taking statins experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after continuing the medication for at least six months [5].

While these studies do not specifically address Lipitor, they suggest that patients may become more comfortable with statins, including Lipitor, over time as their bodies adjust to the medication.

In summary, while there is no specific information available on whether the discomfort with Lipitor specifically improved over time, studies suggest that patients tend to tolerate statins better over time.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Statins: Are they right for you? Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045781>.
2. American Heart Association. (2021). Statins. Retrieved from <https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/statins-lower-cholesterol-what-you-need-to-know>.
3. National Lipid Association. (2019). Statin safety: A critical review of the literature. Retrieved from <https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(19)30112-3/fulltext>.
4. Furberg, C. D., & Pitt, B. (2001). Statin discontinuation: The rule of halves. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, 1(2), 113-116. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7109335/>.
5. Thompson, P. D., Clarkson, P., & Karas, R. H. (2016). Statin-associated muscle symptoms: Impact on statin adherence and persistence. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 10(6), 1213-1225. Retrieved from <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1933287416302351>.
6. DrugPatentWatch. (2021). Lipitor (atorvastatin) Drug Profile. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>.