Reduction of cholesterol in the blood – was the main national idea of America. Unsurprisingly, most sold drug in the U.S. (and world) is aimed at achieving this goal. In general, this is correct: elevated cholesterol deposited on vessel walls, forming atherosclerotic plaques and lead to atherosclerosis, which causes up to 40% of deaths. Accordingly, the impressive and market volumes. The annual volume of its sales in the U.S. is approximately equal to the annual sales volume of ready-made drugs in Russia.

Pharmacological effect

Substance atorvastatin, which is hidden under the brand name Lipitor, – the representative of a large class of statins. online cialis These drugs reduce the activity of an enzyme that participates in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver cells. Statins have been discovered in the early 70′s Japanese Akira Endo, who was looking for new antibiotics. Endo for his discovery has not received a dime: all the money went to corporations such as Merck and Pfizer, developed by each its synthetic statin.

Side effects

As the fat piece of pie drug, atorvastatin under constant attack from all sides. Argued that it causes muscle pain, impotence, depression and liver problems. Worse – there is evidence that it is 12 times increases the likelihood of breast cancer in women.