When comparing Lipitor, a brand-name statin medication, to its generic options, there are several factors to consider. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability [1].

Lipitor's active ingredient is atorvastatin, which is used to treat high cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease [2]. Generic atorvastatin became available in the United States in 2011, after Lipitor's patent expired [3].

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Lipitor expired in November 2011 [4]. After a patent expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell generic versions of the drug, which typically leads to a decrease in price [5].

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that there were no significant differences in the effectiveness or safety of brand-name and generic statins [6].

In terms of cost, generic atorvastatin is significantly cheaper than Lipitor. According to GoodRx, the average retail price of Lipitor is $404.08 for a 30-day supply, while the average retail price of generic atorvastatin is $11.63 for a 30-day supply [7].

It's important to note that while generic drugs are required to have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they may differ in terms of inactive ingredients, such as fillers and dyes [1]. Some people may experience minor differences in side effects or drug interactions due to these differences [1].

In summary, generic atorvastatin is a cost-effective alternative to Lipitor that has been shown to have the same effectiveness and safety profile. However, some people may experience minor differences in side effects or drug interactions due to differences in inactive ingredients.

Sources:

1. FDA. (2021). Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drugs-questions-answers>
2. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Atorvastatin (Oral Route). <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/description/drg-20065881>
3. Drugs.com. (2021). Lipitor. <https://www.drugs.com/lipitor.html>
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Drug Patent Expiration. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>
5. FDA. (2021). Generic Competition and Drug Prices. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-competition-and-drug-prices>
6. Choudhry, N. K., et al. (2014). Comparative effectiveness and safety of generic and brand-name statins in routine care. JAMA, 311(18), 1884-1893. <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1884533>
7. GoodRx. (2021). Lipitor vs. Generic Atorvastatin: Compare Prices & Side Effects. <https://www.goodrx.com/lipitor/compare-prices>