Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to DrugPatentWatch [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which means that other pharmaceutical companies can now produce generic versions of the drug. GoodRx [3] lists several generic versions of Lipitor, including atorvastatin, which is the generic name for Lipitor. The availability of generic Lipitor has made the drug more affordable for many people.
Generics are drugs that are equivalent to brand-name drugs in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy. They are usually cheaper than brand-name drugs because they do not require the same level of research and development. According to Express Scripts [2], generic drugs can save patients up to 80% compared to brand-name drugs.
In conclusion, there are affordable generic versions of Lipitor available, including atorvastatin. These generics are equivalent to the brand-name drug in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy and can save patients up to 80% compared to brand-name drugs. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if a generic version of Lipitor is right for them.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy/blog/generics-vs-biosimilars-what-are-they-and-how-are-they-different
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/drug-guide