Generic Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a commonly prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. According to drugpatentwatch.com [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which means that other pharmaceutical companies can now produce generic versions of the drug. As a result, the cost of generic Lipitor is significantly lower than the brand-name version.
Drugs.com [2] provides a comparison of the prices for brand-name Lipitor and generic atorvastatin. As of October 2021, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of Lipitor is $407.51, while the average retail price for a 30-day supply of atorvastatin is $15.88. This means that generic atorvastatin is approximately 96% cheaper than brand-name Lipitor.
Additionally, GoodRx [3] provides an intensity comparison chart for statins, including Lipitor and atorvastatin. This chart shows the different intensities of statins and their corresponding generic versions, along with their average retail prices. According to the chart, atorvastatin is considered a high-intensity statin, and its average retail price for a 30-day supply is $15.88, which is significantly lower than the average retail price of other high-intensity statins.
In conclusion, the cost of generic Lipitor, or atorvastatin, is significantly lower than the cost of brand-name Lipitor. As of October 2021, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of atorvastatin is $15.88, which is approximately 96% cheaper than brand-name Lipitor. This makes atorvastatin a more affordable option for individuals who need to lower their cholesterol levels.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.drugs.com/compare/atorvastatin-vs-lipitor
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/classes/statins/intensity-comparison-chart