Lipitor is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is also available in generic form, which is typically less expensive than the brand-name version. According to the sources provided, the cost difference between Lipitor and generic atorvastatin can be significant.

DrugPatentWatch [1] reports that the first patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, which allowed other companies to begin producing generic versions of atorvastatin. As a result, the cost of atorvastatin has decreased significantly since then. In 2021, the average retail price for atorvastatin is around $10 for a 30-day supply.

Drugs.com [2] provides a comparison of the prices of Lipitor and atorvastatin from various pharmacies. According to their data, the average retail price for Lipitor is around $550 for a 30-day supply, while the average retail price for atorvastatin is around $10 for the same supply.

GoodRx [3] provides a similar comparison of the prices of Lipitor and atorvastatin from various pharmacies. According to their data, the average retail price for Lipitor is around $330 for a 30-day supply, while the average retail price for atorvastatin is around $10 for the same supply.

In summary, the cost difference between Lipitor and atorvastatin can be significant. While Lipitor is a brand-name drug that can cost hundreds of dollars for a 30-day supply, generic atorvastatin is much less expensive and typically costs around $10 for the same supply.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.drugs.com/compare/atorvastatin-vs-lipitor
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin/what-is