The effectiveness of Lipitor generics compared to the brand name is a crucial consideration for patients looking for affordable cholesterol-lowering treatment. According to the patent expiration information on DrugPatentWatch.com [1], Lipitor's (atorvastatin) patent expired in 2011, allowing generic versions to enter the market.

Studies have shown that generic atorvastatin is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name, Lipitor. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that generic atorvastatin had similar bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles compared to Lipitor [2]. Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that the efficacy of generic atorvastatin was comparable to Lipitor in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels [3].

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also recognized the equivalence of generic atorvastatin and Lipitor. The FDA's website states that "the FDA has determined that generic versions of atorvastatin are therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name version" [4].

While some studies have raised concerns about the variability in the quality of generic drugs [5], the vast majority of research suggests that generic atorvastatin is as effective as Lipitor in reducing cholesterol levels. Patients considering Lipitor generics should discuss their concerns and treatment options with their healthcare provider, as they can help determine the best course of treatment.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin/
[2] Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Vol. 51, No. 10, 2011, pp. 1471-1478.
[3] Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Vol. 68, No. 11, 2016, pp. 1431-1438.
[4] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/frequently-asked-questions-generic-drugs.
[5] PLoS Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 8, 2010, e1000337.