Current Generic Prices for Lipitor (Atorvastatin) and Pravastatin
Both Lipitor (generic atorvastatin) and pravastatin are available as low-cost generics in the US, with minimal price differences at major pharmacies. A 30-day supply (e.g., 20-40 mg doses) typically costs $3-15 for either drug without insurance via discount cards like GoodRx. Atorvastatin averages $8-12, pravastatin $6-10 for comparable strengths.[1][2]
| Pharmacy/Discount | Atorvastatin 40 mg (30 tabs) | Pravastatin 40 mg (30 tabs) |
|-------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Walmart | $4 | $4 |
| Costco | $3 | $3 |
| GoodRx (avg) | $10 | $9 |
| CVS | $12 | $11 |
Prices fluctuate by location and dose; shop via GoodRx or SingleCare for lowest rates.[1][3]
Why Prices Are Similar Now
Lipitor's main patents expired in 2011, and pravastatin's in 2010, allowing multiple generic makers to flood the market. High-volume production keeps both under $0.50 per pill wholesale. No significant branded versions remain in use.[4]
Brand-Name Lipitor vs. Generic Pravastatin
Original Lipitor (Pfizer) costs $300-500 monthly if somehow prescribed over generics, but doctors rarely do. Generic pravastatin stays cheap at $10 or less. Opt for generics to avoid any gap—insurers cover both similarly.[1][2]
Factors Driving Small Variations
- Dose/strength: Higher doses (e.g., 80 mg atorvastatin) add $2-5.
- Insurance: Copays often $0-10 for Tier 1 generics; no difference.
- Retail vs. mail-order: Amazon Pharmacy or Costco match or beat retail by 20-30%.
- Location: Rural areas see 10-20% higher prices for both.
Use tools like GoodRx to compare locally—no major savings picking one over the other.[3]
Effectiveness and Why Cost Rarely Decides
Both lower LDL cholesterol effectively; atorvastatin is slightly stronger at equivalent doses, per clinical data, but pravastatin has fewer muscle side effects for some.[5] Guidelines (ACC/AHA) treat them interchangeably for most patients, so cost ties rarely sway choice.
[1]: GoodRx - Atorvastatin Prices
[2]: GoodRx - Pravastatin Prices
[3]: SingleCare Price Comparison
[4]: DrugPatentWatch - Atorvastatin Patents
[5]: FDA Labels - Atorvastatin vs. Pravastatin