Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. The drug was initially patented by Pfizer in 1996 [1], and the patent expired in 2011, which allowed other pharmaceutical companies to produce generic versions of the drug [2].

According to GoodRx [3], the average retail price for a 30-day supply of brand-name Lipitor (20mg) is $535. On the other hand, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of generic atorvastatin (20mg) is $9. Typically, the cost of generic drugs is significantly lower than that of their brand-name counterparts.

A study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy in 2016 [2] found that the average wholesale price (AWP) of brand-name atorvastatin was $10.94 per tablet, while the AWP of generic atorvastatin was $0.26 per tablet. The study also found that the average copay for brand-name atorvastatin was $11.14, while the average copay for generic atorvastatin was $1.17.

In conclusion, the cost difference between brand-name Lipitor and generic atorvastatin is significant. While the average retail price for a 30-day supply of brand-name Lipitor is $535, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of generic atorvastatin is only $9. The study also suggests that the cost difference is even more significant when considering the average wholesale price and copays. Patients who are prescribed atorvastatin may save a significant amount of money by choosing the generic version over the brand-name drug.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859299/
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/what-is