Is lipitor and atorvastatin the same?

Are Lipitor and atorvastatin the same drug?

Yes. Lipitor is the brand name for atorvastatin, which is the generic drug name. They refer to the same active medication used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides and to reduce cardiovascular risk.

What’s the difference, then—brand vs generic?

The difference is mainly the name (and often cost and inactive ingredients). Lipitor is marketed under the brand name, while “atorvastatin” is the generic name doctors and pharmacies use.

Do Lipitor and generic atorvastatin work the same?

They should have the same active ingredient and are expected to have comparable effects on cholesterol levels. Any differences you might notice are typically due to the specific formulation from a particular manufacturer, not the active drug itself.

What should I ask my pharmacist or doctor?

Ask whether your prescription is for “atorvastatin” (generic) or “Lipitor” (brand) and confirm the dose in milligrams (for example, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg). If switching from Lipitor to generic atorvastatin (or vice versa), confirm the dose matches what you were taking.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com – Lipitor (atorvastatin) patent and drug information