Pfizer to push for over-the-counter version of Lipitor Currently, individuals who have high cholesterol must talk to their doctor about a prescription to buy Lipitor, but this may soon become a thing of the past. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that produces Lipitor is planning to begin producing an over-the-counter version of the medication. Currently, individuals who have high cholesterol must talk to their doctor about a prescription to buy Lipitor, but this may soon become a thing of the past. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that produces Lipitor is planning to begin producing an over-the-counter version of the medication. Company officials told BusinessWeek that the move is part of an attempt to make the drug more competitive with generic versions that recently started hitting the market. Earlier this year, Pfizer's patent on Lipitor expired. Still, there are some hurdles standing in the way of the plan. "There is an intent at some point to have an OTC version of Lipitor in the marketplace," Pfizer's CEO Ian Read told the news source. "We have no definitive evidence we can do it." A non-prescription version of Lipitor would have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which may be reluctant to make a drug available to the public that carries a risk of side effects. While Lipitor is well tolerated by the majority of patients, the National Institutes of Health reports that some individuals experience pains in the chest, muscles and joints.

See also ...

• New study finds that those with neurotic tendencies more at risk for PTSD
• Offering healthier snack options may help fight childhood obesity in the U_S_
• Cutting down on travel time could play a factor in weight loss
• Recent study associates childhood obesity risk with television in the bedroom
• New study touts weight-loss benefits of low-fat diets
• New study counters claim that eating small meals throughout the day is healthier
• Happiness in old age the result of successfully aging
• Compound in red wine may offer potential treatment for heart disease
• Study examines the potential for immediate PTSD treatment options
• New early detection procedure may help diagnose breast cancer
• Penn State program looks to teach siblings how to better communicate, resolve issues
• German study finds yoga may relieve chronic neck pain
• Research links high stress levels to noncardiac chest pain in children
• Certain jobs may increase the risk of breast cancer in women
• New study opens the door for targeting signs of eating disorders
• Study finds no correlation between lunar cycles and psychological problems
• Study: 1 million women may get screenings under ACA
• Strong family ties greatest deterrent for suicidal teenagers, new study finds
• New study measures meditation's lasting emotional response in the mind
• Signs of aging, not actual age, might be linked to heart disease
• Osteoporosis drug may be linked to the treatment of giant-cell tumors
• Scientists examine reasons for infertility in obese women
• Researchers publish guide for examining Alzheimer's prevalence among women
• Swiss organization offers advice on osteoporosis treatment
• Study recommends cholesterol reducing drugs, despite diabetes risk
• Harvard professor recommends Fosamax and Actonel for osteoporosis
• Despite struggling economy, medical cosmetics are still profitable
• Use of IUDs skyrockets, study says
• Broken bones may signal osteoporosis
• Study explains genetics behind OA
• Medicare patients take fewer medications because of high costs
• New guide warns of osteoporosis risk in men
• Researchers find potential treatment for resistant breast cancer
• Early medication treatments improve diabetes outcomes
• New study links calcium, vitamin D supplements to kidney stones
• Women benefit from statins the same as men
• Multiple statins yield additional cholesterol benefit
• Poorly managed blood sugar may lead to cognitive decline
• Arthritis treatment linked to liver damage
• Common treatment for knee pain found ineffective
• High cholesterol often goes untreated, report finds
• Government recommends against calcium, vitamin D for fracture prevention
• Saw palmetto may be useful complementary treatment for enlarged prostate
• Arthritis patients taking prescriptions experience best outcomes
• Antidepressants may reduce chemotherapy side effect
• Antidepressants may reduce pain of arthritis
• New study identifies brain cells that respond to antidepressant treatment
• Statin medications may improve cirrhosis treatment outcomes
• Blood test for diagnosing osteoarthritis developed
• Expert discusses long-term use of Fosamax