In response to your question, it is possible for Lipitor substitutes to be as effective as the original medication. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a statin drug used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease [1]. When a drug's patent expires, generic versions of the drug can be produced, which can be less expensive than the brand-name version [1].

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic drugs are required to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand-name drug [2]. The FDA also requires that generic drugs be shown to be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning they must deliver the same amount of active ingredient to the bloodstream at the same rate as the brand-name drug [2].

There are several generic versions of Lipitor available on the market, including atorvastatin calcium tablets produced by various manufacturers [3]. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Lipitor expired in November 2011, allowing for generic versions to be produced [4].

It is important to note that while generic drugs must be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, they may not be exact copies [2]. For example, they may differ in inactive ingredients, such as fillers and dyes [2]. Additionally, some people may experience differences in side effects or effectiveness between brand-name and generic drugs [2].

In summary, based on the information available, Lipitor substitutes can be as effective as the original medication, as they are required by the FDA to be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug. However, there may be differences in inactive ingredients and potential side effects or effectiveness between brand-name and generic drugs. As with any medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lipitor (Atorvastatin). Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lipitor-oral-route/description/drg-20063020>.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2013). Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-generic-drugs/generic-drugs-questions-and-answers>.
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Atorvastatin Calcium. Retrieved from <https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=atorvastatin+calcium>.
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Drug Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/lipitor-atorvastatin-calcium/>.