What is the expiration date of atorvastatin?

Does atorvastatin have a single “expiration date” (patent), or is it different by market and product?

Atorvastatin’s patent protection is not a single, universal “expiration date” that applies to all versions everywhere. The exact end date depends on which specific patent (and which country) you mean, and which atorvastatin product form (brand vs. generic) is covered.

What most people mean by “expiration date” is the end of exclusivity for branded Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium). Once that exclusivity ended, generic versions could enter the market (subject to the local regulatory and patent landscape).

When did Lipitor’s exclusivity end?

Generic atorvastatin is widely available, indicating that branded exclusivity for Lipitor is already over in major markets. For a patent-by-patent view (and country-specific detail), you’d typically check a drug patent database. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these kinds of patent/exclusivity timelines and is a practical way to verify the relevant expiration dates for the exact scope you care about. [1]

What should you check if you need the exact “expiration date”?

To get the precise expiration date you need, confirm:
- the country (US, EU, etc.)
- whether you mean brand exclusivity for Lipitor or a specific formulation/patent
- the patent or reference you’re tracking

If you tell me the country (and whether you mean Lipitor brand exclusivity or a specific patent), I can narrow down what date applies.

Source

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/