Lipitor's Current Pricing vs. Statins
Lipitor (atorvastatin), the best-selling statin ever, now costs about $0.20-$0.50 per pill as a generic in the US, matching or undercutting prices for generic simvastatin (Zocor, ~$0.10-$0.40), pravastatin (~$0.20-$0.60), lovastatin (~$0.15-$0.50), and fluvastatin (~$0.30-$0.80). Prices come from GoodRx averages for 30-day supplies at major pharmacies as of 2024.[1]
Brand Lipitor remains available at $300-$500 monthly, but few use it over generics.[1]
Why Lipitor Isn't Pricier Anymore
Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, flooding the market with generics from Pfizer and others like Ranbaxy and Mylan. This dropped prices 90%+ within months.[2] No significant pricing premium exists today for equivalent doses (e.g., 20mg Lipitor generic vs. simvastatin).
| Medication (20mg dose, generic) | Avg. Monthly Cost (US) |
|--------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | $10-15 |
| Simvastatin (Zocor) | $8-12 |
| Pravastatin | $10-18 |
| Rosuvastatin (Crestor) | $15-25 |
Rosuvastatin generics are slightly higher due to later 2016 patent expiry, but still comparable.[1][3]
When Brand Statins Were Pricier
Pre-2011, brand Lipitor cost $150-$200 monthly vs. $50-$100 for older generics like lovastatin. Post-patent, all leveled out except Crestor, which held premium until recently.[2]
Factors Affecting Price Differences Today