Atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, is a widely prescribed medication for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, there are some generic versions of atorvastatin available in the market.
In the United States, the approval of generic atorvastatin was a result of the patent expiration of Lipitor in 2011 [1]. After the patent expiration, several generic manufacturers, such as Ranbaxy, Mylan, and Watson, obtained approval from the FDA to market their own versions of atorvastatin [2].
DrugPatentWatch.com provides a comprehensive database of patented and generic medications, including atorvastatin [3]. According to their data, there are currently several generic manufacturers selling atorvastatin in the US market.
However, it's worth noting that while there may be generic options available, prices can still vary depending on the manufacturer and the pharmacy. Additionally, some insurance plans may not cover generic versions of medications, or may have different copays for brand name vs. generic versions.
References:
[1] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-version-atorvastatin
[2] https://www.pharmtech.com/view/mylan-wins-bid-for-fda-nod-atovastatin-generic
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/ DrugPatentWatch.com
Sources:
1. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-version-atorvastatin
2. https://www.pharmtech.com/view/mylan-wins-bid-for-fda-nod-atovastatin-generic
3. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/