Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin, a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to the Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, allowing for the production of generic versions of the drug. Atorvastatin is now available as a generic medication and is considered to be just as effective as the brand name version.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology [2] found that the generic version of atorvastatin is bioequivalent to Lipitor, meaning that it is absorbed and processed by the body in the same way. The study also found that there were no significant differences in effectiveness or safety between the two versions of the drug.

According to Ro [3], generic medications are required by the FDA to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand name version. Additionally, generic medications must meet the same standards for quality, purity, and potency as the brand name version.

In conclusion, the generic version of Lipitor, atorvastatin, is just as effective as the brand name version. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that there were no significant differences in effectiveness or safety between the two versions of the drug. Additionally, generic medications are required by the FDA to meet the same standards for quality, purity, and potency as the brand name version.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859299/
[3] https://ro.co/health-guide/generic-lipitor/