Lipitor is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin calcium. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, allowing for the production of generic versions of the drug. These generic versions contain the same active ingredient as Lipitor, but they may have different inactive ingredients and may be produced by different manufacturers.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine [2] found that generic atorvastatin was as effective as Lipitor in lowering cholesterol levels. The study also found that there were no significant differences in side effects between the two medications. The study concluded that generic atorvastatin is a safe and effective alternative to Lipitor.

However, it is important to note that not all generic medications are created equal. The FDA requires that generic medications be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they must have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration. Additionally, the FDA requires that generic medications meet the same standards for quality, purity, and potency as brand-name medications [3].

It is also important to note that generic medications may be less expensive than brand-name medications. According to Ro.co [4], the cost of generic atorvastatin is typically lower than the cost of Lipitor.

In conclusion, based on the sources provided, generic atorvastatin is as effective as Lipitor in lowering cholesterol levels, and it is a safe and cost-effective alternative to Lipitor. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before switching from Lipitor to a generic version of atorvastatin.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859299/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts
[4] https://ro.co/health-guide/generic-lipitor/