- Atorvastatin was first developed by Bruce Roth, an American chemist. Roth was working at Warner-Lambert company when he created Atorvastatin in 1985. When Warner-Lambert company became Pfizer, Atorvastatin was marketed under the name Lipitor. Lipitor was brought into the public eye when Pfizer funded commercials using Dr. Robert Jarvik, creator of the Jarvik-7 artificial heart (but not in actuality a medical doctor). Pfizer withdrew all commercials featuring Dr. Jarvik in February 2008, after complaints were heard that these Lipitor ads were misleading.
- Atorvastatin works by blocking specific enzymes that build up to create cholesterol in the body. By raising HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels and lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotien) levels, atorvastatin works to diminish your risk of heart attack by lowering your cholesterol levels (in concert with a healthy diet). Lipitor also helps the body reabsorb any cholesterol that has already collected on the walls of your arteries. If you have already had a heart attack in your lifetime, your doctor may suggest taking Lipitor as a precaution against a second heart attack.
- The FDA has proven Lipitor safe for lowering cholesterol, but even FDA-approved medications put you at risk of side effects. Common side effects associated with Lipitor include muscle weakness and swelling, muscle pain, memory loss and neuropathy. Erectile dysfunction, impotence and loss of libido are side effects that have become increasingly more common in the past few years, as many Lipitor users become long-term users.
- An abundance of studies, particularly in Europe, are showing more and more men suffering from erectile dysfunction while using drugs in the "statin" classification. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, loss of libido or sexual desire, or impotence, and you think it is as a result of taking Lipitor, talk to a doctor immediately to weigh the benefits of continuing to use the drug. You may be able to find a medication that works just as well for you without the negative side effects.
- Call your doctor immediately if you are taking Lipitor and notice any unusual pain in the chest or in the groin area. Do not stop taking Lipitor without your doctor's permission. If you are experiencing negative side effects as a result of Lipitor, including muscle aches, muscular weakness (including erectile dysfunction), memory loss, loss of libido or impotence, talk to a doctor as soon as possible to discuss the pros and cons of taking Lipitor on a long-term basis.
