Average Retail Prices for 30-Day Supply (30 x 20mg Tablets)
Pravastatin generic averages $11, while atorvastatin (Lipitor generic) averages $17—a 35% lower cost for pravastatin.[1]
Price Ranges Across Major Pharmacies
- Pravastatin 20mg (30 tabs): $4–$25 (Walmart: $4; CVS: $12; Walgreens: $15).
- Atorvastatin 20mg (30 tabs): $6–$40 (Walmart: $6; CVS: $18; Walgreens: $22).
Pravastatin undercuts by $2–$15 per month on average, scaling to $24–$180 yearly savings.[1][2]
Factors Driving Price Differences
Both are off-patent statins since 2011 (atorvastatin) and 2010 (pravastatin), but pravastatin faces more generic competition from multiple manufacturers, pushing prices down faster. Atorvastatin's higher demand as Lipitor's successor keeps its floor slightly elevated despite generics.[1][3]
With Insurance or Discount Cards
Copays drop both to $0–$10, minimizing the gap. GoodRx users pay $3 for pravastatin vs. $5 for atorvastatin (40% cheaper).[2] Medicare Part D plans list pravastatin at Tier 1 (lowest cost) more often.
Effectiveness Comparison for Cost-Benefit
Pravastatin lowers LDL by 20–30% at 20mg; atorvastatin by 35–45%. Patients needing moderate cholesterol control save money without sacrificing much efficacy, per clinical guidelines.[3]
[1]: GoodRx.com - Statin Price Comparison
[2]: Drugs.com - Price Guide
[3]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Pravastatin vs Atorvastatin Patents