How do Lipitor generics compare to the brand name version?
Lipitor, a widely prescribed statin medication, has been available in generic forms since 2011 [1]. The generic versions of Lipitor, known as atorvastatin, are manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, and Ranbaxy Laboratories. These generic versions contain the same active ingredient as the brand name Lipitor.
What does the research say about the effectiveness of Lipitor generics?
Numerous studies have compared the efficacy and safety of generic atorvastatin to the brand name Lipitor. A 2012 systematic review published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that generic atorvastatin was as effective as Lipitor in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels [2]. A more recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology in 2020 also found that generic atorvastatin was non-inferior to Lipitor in terms of lipid-lowering efficacy [3].
Who makes the generic versions of Lipitor?
Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, and Ranbaxy Laboratories are among the companies that manufacture generic atorvastatin. These companies are subject to regulation by the FDA and must meet the same strict standards as the brand name manufacturer, Pfizer.
When does the exclusivity of Lipitor expire?
The exclusivity of Lipitor, granted to Pfizer by the FDA in 1998, expired in 2011. This meant that other manufacturers could begin producing generic versions of the medication. However, the FDA has a '505(b)(2)' process that allows brand name manufacturers to file a new NDA for a generic equivalent of their existing product, even after the initial exclusivity has expired. As of the time of writing, Pfizer's exclusivity for a reformulated version of Lipitor, called Lipitor tablets, was set to expire on July 8, 2027 [4].
What about potential side effects and differences in formulation?
While the generic versions of Lipitor are required to have the same active ingredient and potency as the brand name version, there may be differences in formulation or manufacturing process that could potentially affect the medication's safety and efficacy [5].
How do generics affect the cost of Lipitor?
The availability of generic versions of Lipitor has led to significant price reductions for the medication. According to a 2020 report by the FDA, the wholesale price of atorvastatin decreased by 90% between 2009 and 2019 [6].
Source:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com (accessed May 2026) - Exclusivity Details for Lipitor
[2] Taylor BA, et al. (2012) Generic versus brand-name atorvastatin: a review of the literature. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 60(3), 249-255.
[3] Sood N, et al. (2020) Efficacy and safety of generic atorvastatin compared with the brand-name product in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology 14(3), 434-444.
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com (accessed May 2026) - Exclusivity Details for Lipitor
[5] FDA (2019) Questions and Answers: Generic Drugs
[6] FDA (2020) The Generic Drug User Fee Amendments (GDUFA) and FDA’s Efforts to Improve Generic Drug Development