Current Lipitor Brand Price
Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium), made by Pfizer, costs $200 to $500 for a 30-day supply of 20mg tablets without insurance, depending on pharmacy and location. Prices have dropped since generics launched but remain high due to brand positioning.[1]
Generic Atorvastatin Prices
Generic atorvastatin is far cheaper, typically $5 to $20 for the same 30-day supply. Walmart's $4 prescription list often includes it, and chains like Costco or GoodRx coupons bring it under $10. Savings average 80-95% off brand cost.[2][3]
Price Comparison Table
| Dose (20mg, 30 days) | Brand Lipitor | Generic Atorvastatin | Savings |
|----------------------|---------------|----------------------|---------|
| Average cash price | $285 | $12 | 96% |
| With GoodRx coupon | $150 | $8 | 95% |
| Walmart/4$ list | N/A | $4 | 99% |
Data reflects U.S. retail averages as of 2024; prices vary by state and quantity.[3][4]
Factors Driving the Price Gap
Generics entered in 2011 after Lipitor's main patents expired, flooding the market with competitors like Mylan, Teva, and Dr. Reddy's. Over 20 ANDAs were approved, driving competition. Brand Lipitor persists for insured patients or those preferring name recognition, but pharmacies often default to generics unless specified.[5]
Patent details on DrugPatentWatch.com show Lipitor's key composition patent (US 5,273,995) expired November 2011, with no remaining barriers for generics.6
Insurance and Coverage Impact
Most plans cover generics at $0-10 copay versus $50+ for brand. Medicare Part D favors generics, listing atorvastatin as a preferred drug. Uninsured patients save most by skipping brand entirely.[2]
How to Get the Lowest Price
Use GoodRx, SingleCare, or pharmacy discount cards for generics—often $3-8. Mail-order like Express Scripts or Amazon Pharmacy cuts to $5 monthly. Avoid brand unless medically required; ask prescribers to specify "generic atorvastatin."[3][4]
Other Statin Alternatives and Costs
| Statin | Generic 30-Day Cost (20mg equiv.) |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Atorvastatin | $5-12 |
| Simvastatin (Zocor)| $4-10 |
| Pravastatin (Pravachol) | $8-15 |
| Rosuvastatin (Crestor) | $10-25 |
Atorvastatin generics are among the cheapest statins, with similar cholesterol-lowering efficacy.[1][2]
Sources
[1]: https://www.goodrx.com/lipitor
[2]: https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/atorvastatin
[3]: https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin
[4]: https://www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/1234959
[5]: FDA Orange Book