Is Lipitor (atorvastatin) still being sold?
Yes. Lipitor (atorvastatin) is still on the market as a prescription medicine. It’s widely available in both brand and generic forms, and atorvastatin remains one of the most commonly used statins.
If Lipitor is still available, why do I hear about generics more often?
Most patients now get generic atorvastatin rather than the brand. Brand-name Lipitor is typically less commonly dispensed when cheaper generics are available, even though the brand may still be sold.
Can Lipitor ever disappear from the market in certain places?
Yes, availability can vary by country and by supply or wholesaler distribution. A brand can be harder to find in some pharmacies even when it is still approved and on the market overall. If you’re trying to get it specifically, asking your pharmacist to check local availability or alternatives is usually the fastest step.
What’s the closest option if Lipitor isn’t available at my pharmacy?
The most direct alternative is generic atorvastatin. If you’re not seeing any atorvastatin options locally, your prescriber may switch you to another statin (for example, rosuvastatin or simvastatin), depending on your cholesterol goals and side-effect history.
Where to check current availability and patent/brand status
For brand-versus-generic and market/patent context around atorvastatin, you can check DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/