The cost of Lipitor, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, can be compared to its generic equivalents by looking at the list price and out-of-pocket costs for patients. Lipitor, whose active ingredient is atorvastatin, has been available as a generic since 2011 [1].

The list price of Lipitor is typically higher than that of its generic counterparts. According to GoodRx, the average retail price of Lipitor 10mg is $13.36 per tablet, while the generic atorvastatin 10mg costs an average of $4.51 per tablet [2]. However, it is important to note that these prices can vary based on location, insurance coverage, and other factors.

Out-of-pocket costs for patients may also differ between Lipitor and its generics. Many insurance plans have a tiered formulary system, where brand-name drugs like Lipitor are placed on a higher tier and have a higher copay than generic drugs [3]. This means that even if the list price of Lipitor is lower than that of atorvastatin, patients may still pay more out-of-pocket for Lipitor due to their insurance plan.

In addition, some pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) may offer a preferred generic program, where patients can receive a lower cost-sharing for certain generic drugs, including atorvastatin [4]. This can result in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients who switch from Lipitor to a preferred generic.

In summary, the cost of Lipitor is generally higher than that of its generic equivalents, both in terms of list price and out-of-pocket costs for patients. However, it is important to note that prices can vary based on a variety of factors, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider and insurance plan to determine the most cost-effective treatment option for them.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin Calcium. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin-calcium>

[2] GoodRx. (n.d.). Atorvastatin vs Lipitor: Compare prices, side effects & more. Retrieved from <https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/compare-to-other-drugs>

[3] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2019, August 21). Prescription Drug Costs: Tiered Formularies. Retrieved from <https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/prescription-drug-costs-tiered-formularies.aspx>

[4] Express Scripts. (n.d.). Preferred Generics. Retrieved from <https://www.express-scripts.com/corporate/employers/solutions/pharmacy-solutions/preferred-generics>