What's the price gap between lipitor and pravastatin?

Lipitor (atorvastatin) vs. Pravastatin – a quick snapshot of the price gap

| Drug | Brand name | Typical 30‑day supply (average US retail price) | Generic 30‑day supply (average US retail price) |
|------|------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Lipitor (atorvastatin) | Lipitor | $200–$300 (80 mg tablets) | $20–$70 (generic atorvastatin) |
| Pravastatin | Pravachol | $150–$250 (40 mg tablets) | $10–$30 (generic pravastatin) |

Price gap
- Brand‑name Lipitor can be $50–$150 more expensive than brand‑name Pravachol for a comparable 30‑day supply.
- With generics, the gap shrinks: generic Lipitor may cost $10–$40 more than generic pravastatin.

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Why the numbers vary

| Factor | Impact on price |
|--------|-----------------|
| Dosage strength | Higher doses (e.g., Lipitor 80 mg vs. pravastatin 40 mg) usually mean more pills, so cost goes up. |
| Insurance coverage | Copayments can be as low as a few dollars with good plans, or up to 80 % of retail price without coverage. |
| Pharmacy & location | Some chains negotiate lower prices; discount cards or coupons can shave off 10–30 %. |
| Brand vs. generic | Generic drugs are typically 70–80 % cheaper than brand names because the manufacturer no longer pays for the original R&D or marketing. |
| Promotions & coupons | Manufacturers sometimes offer rebates or free samples, especially for new patients. |

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Quick take‑away

- If you’re paying out‑of‑pocket for brand drugs, Lipitor is usually the pricier choice—often by about $50–$150 for a month’s supply.
- With generics, both drugs are relatively affordable, and the difference shrinks to $10–$40 for the same period.

If you’re looking at a specific dosage or have insurance details, feel free to share those for a more tailored estimate.