Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both statin drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. While they are similar in function, there are some differences in their prices.

According to drugpatentwatch.com [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which means that there are now generic versions of the drug available. This has led to a decrease in the price of Lipitor, making it more affordable for patients. On the other hand, Crestor is still under patent protection until 2022, which means that there are no generic versions of the drug available yet. This has resulted in a higher price for Crestor compared to Lipitor.

According to drugs.com [2], the average retail price of Lipitor (20mg, 30 tablets) is around $220, while the average retail price of Crestor (20mg, 30 tablets) is around $320. However, these prices can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. It is important to note that these prices are for the brand-name versions of the drugs and not the generic versions.

GoodRx [3] provides a comparison of the prices of the generic versions of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. According to their data, the average retail price of atorvastatin (20mg, 30 tablets) is around $10, while the average retail price of rosuvastatin (20mg, 30 tablets) is around $18. This shows that the generic version of atorvastatin is significantly cheaper than the generic version of rosuvastatin.

In conclusion, while both Lipitor and Crestor are effective statin drugs, Crestor is generally more expensive than Lipitor due to its patent protection. However, the generic versions of atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) are significantly cheaper than the generic versions of rosuvastatin (generic Crestor). Patients should consult with their healthcare provider and pharmacist to determine which medication is best for their individual needs and budget.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.drugs.com/compare/crestor-vs-lipitor
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/compare/rosuvastatin-vs-atorvastatin