Lipitor is a commonly prescribed medication for lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Despite its high cost, there may be benefits to choosing Lipitor over its substitutes.

According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient atorvastatin. It was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and is still under patent protection until 2020. This means that Lipitor is the only medication that contains atorvastatin and is therefore the most effective medication for lowering cholesterol levels.

A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information [2] found that atorvastatin was more effective than other statins in reducing LDL cholesterol levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. The study also found that atorvastatin had fewer side effects than other statins.

In addition, an article from Harvard Health Publishing [3] notes that some patients may not respond well to other statins and may benefit from switching to Lipitor. The article also notes that Lipitor has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients with heart disease or at high risk for heart disease.

However, the high cost of Lipitor may be a barrier for some patients. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the average retail price for a 30-day supply of Lipitor is $374.25, compared to the average retail price of $29.23 for a 30-day supply of simvastatin, a generic statin medication.

In conclusion, while Lipitor may be more effective and have fewer side effects than other statins, its high cost may be a barrier for some patients. Patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the best medication for their individual needs.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5659838/
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/help-for-your-cholesterol-when-the-statins-wont-do