Current Prices for Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Lipitor, the brand-name version of atorvastatin for cholesterol management, typically costs $100-$300 for a 30-day supply of 20mg or 40mg tablets without insurance, depending on the pharmacy and location. Walmart offers 30 tablets of 20mg generic atorvastatin for $10, while brand Lipitor at the same dose runs $150-$250.[1] GoodRx reports average cash prices around $140 for 90 tablets of 40mg generic versus $400+ for brand.[2]
Generic Atorvastatin vs. Brand Lipitor
Generic atorvastatin, available since Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, is 80-90% cheaper. A 30-day supply of 40mg generic averages $12-$20 at major chains like CVS or Walgreens, compared to $250-$350 for Lipitor. Use discount cards like GoodRx to drop generic to under $5 for 30 days.[2][3]
| Dose (30 tablets) | Generic Price | Brand Lipitor Price |
|-------------------|---------------|---------------------|
| 10mg | $4-$10 | $120-$200 |
| 20mg | $8-$15 | $150-$250 |
| 40mg | $10-$20 | $200-$350 |
| 80mg | $12-$25 | $250-$400 |
Prices from 2023-2024 data; vary by location and quantity.[1][2]
Where to Find the Lowest Prices
- Discount Programs: GoodRx or SingleCare coupons reduce generic to $3-$10/month at most pharmacies.
- Retail Chains: Costco ($9 for 30x20mg generic), Walmart ($10), or Kroger often undercut others.
- Mail-Order: Amazon Pharmacy or Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs lists 30x40mg generic at $8.40 plus shipping.[4]
- Insurance Impact: With coverage, copays drop to $10-$30 for generic; brand may require prior authorization and cost more.
Shop via GoodRx.com for real-time quotes by ZIP code.[2]
Factors Driving Price Differences
Lipitor's high brand price stems from Pfizer's marketing despite generic competition. Generics match efficacy but lack brand premiums. Prices fluctuate with supply chains, inflation (up 5-10% yearly), and shortages—atorvastatin faced minor disruptions in 2023.[3] No active Lipitor patents remain; last expired November 2011.[5]
Alternatives and Competitor Pricing
| Drug | Type | 30-Day 40mg Price (Generic) | Notes |
|------|------|-----------------------------|-------|
| Crestor (rosuvastatin) | Brand/Generic | $10-$20 | Slightly more potent; similar discounts |
| Zocor (simvastatin) | Generic only | $4-$12 | Older, cheaper option |
| Pravachol (pravastatin) | Generic only | $8-$18 | Fewer interactions |
| Ezetimibe (Zetia) | Add-on | $15-$30 | Combines with statins |
Switching to rosuvastatin generic saves similarly; ezetimibe combos cost $20-$40 total.[2][3]
Sources
[1] Walmart Pharmacy Pricing
[2] GoodRx Atorvastatin Prices
[3] Drugs.com Price Guide
[4] Cost Plus Drugs
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com - Lipitor Patents