How much does generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) cost without insurance?
Generic atorvastatin 20 mg, the most common strength, costs $3 to $15 for a 30-day supply at major U.S. pharmacies. Walmart and Costco offer it for $4 or less with their generic programs. Prices vary by dose: 10 mg averages $8-$12, 40 mg $10-$18, and 80 mg $12-$20 for 30 tablets.[1][2]
Lipitor brand vs. generic price difference
Brand-name Lipitor 20 mg costs $150-$300 for 30 tablets without insurance, making generics 90-98% cheaper. The price gap holds even with coupons; GoodRx discounts brand to $40-$60 but generics to under $5.[1][3]
Where to find the lowest generic atorvastatin prices
| Pharmacy/Retailer | 20 mg, 30 tablets (cash price) | With discount card |
|-------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------|
| Walmart | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| Costco | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| GoodRx | $4.50 | N/A |
| SingleCare | $5.20 | $5.20 |
| CVS | $12.00 | $6.00 |
Shop chains like Walmart or use apps like GoodRx/SingleCare for coupons printable online. Mail-order from Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs starts at $2.73 for 30 tablets of 10 mg.[2][3][4]
Factors driving generic Lipitor price variations
Prices fluctuate by location, pharmacy chain, quantity (90-day supplies cut per-pill cost 20-30%), and strength. No insurance? Cash prices apply. High-volume generics like atorvastatin face heavy competition, keeping costs low since Pfizer's patents expired in 2011.[1][5]
Atorvastatin vs. other statin generics (cost comparison)
| Statin (20 mg equivalent) | 30-day cash price range |
|---------------------------|-------------------------|
| Atorvastatin | $3-$15 |
| Simvastatin (20 mg) | $4-$12 |
| Pravastatin (40 mg) | $5-$18 |
| Rosuvastatin (generic Crestor, 10 mg) | $10-$30 |
Atorvastatin remains cheapest among top statins due to multiple manufacturers. Rosuvastatin costs more as a newer generic.[1][3]
Does insurance change generic Lipitor costs?
Most plans cover atorvastatin at $0-$10 copay. Medicare Part D averages $2-$5. Pre-authorization is rare for generics.[2]
Sources:
[1] GoodRx.com - Atorvastatin Prices
[2] Drugs.com - Atorvastatin Price Guide
[3] SingleCare - Atorvastatin Without Insurance
[4] Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com - Lipitor Patents