{"id":60517,"date":"2023-09-26T11:26:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T15:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60517"},"modified":"2026-10-01T18:59:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T22:59:11","slug":"lipitor-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lipitor-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Lipitor generic availability, cost, and dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lipitor<\/a> (atorvastatin<\/a>) is a drug commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. Atorvastatin<\/a>\u2014the generic\u2014is widely used for many reasons, including safety, efficacy, and low cost. This drug is part of a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly referred to as statins<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Lipitor with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLipitor 40 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.99\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.99\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Lipitor prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Is there a generic for Lipitor?<\/h2>\n

Atorvastatin<\/a> is the generic name for Lipitor, and it has been available in the U.S. market since 2011, when Lipitor’s patent protection expired. It is one of the most prescribed drugs on the market.<\/p>\n

Viatris Inc<\/a>. makes brand-name Lipitor tablets in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. Multiple manufacturers produce generic atorvastatin, which is available in the same strengths. Because Lipitor has been available generically for so long, most insurance plans cover only the FDA-approved generic, and many pharmacies have it readily available. The brand name is still available but may be harder to find, and your insurance plan will likely not cover it unless you have prior authorization<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Lipitor?<\/h2>\n

Many people wonder about the difference between the brand-name drug Lipitor and the generic atorvastatin. Brand-name Lipitor and its generic equivalent each contain the same active ingredient, atorvastatin calcium. Generic medications must have the same amount of active ingredient and the same onset and duration of action.<\/p>\n

Appearance<\/h3>\n

Brand-name Lipitor is manufactured as white, oblong tablets with an imprint corresponding to the milligram strength of that tablet. For example, the 10 mg Lipitor tablet has a \u201c10\u201d imprint on one side. The generic manufacturers each have their own imprint, size, shape, and color. Your pharmacist can verify the imprint for the specific manufacturer of the generic version they dispense.<\/p>\n

Dosage forms<\/h3>\n

Branded Lipitor and generic atorvastatin are available as oral tablets in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. The dose you take will depend on the amount of cholesterol in your blood, your medical conditions, and how your body reacts to the medication. The medication is often started at a low dose and increased until your cholesterol is at an optimum level.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Clinical studies<\/h3>\n

One cohort study<\/a> compared and followed patients who had been hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and were discharged home. These patients were given either brand-name Lipitor or generic atorvastatin and were followed for one year to compare outcomes for their medical condition. There were no significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes or side effects when comparing those who took brand-name Lipitor and those who took generic atorvastatin.<\/p>\n

The table below contains important information about Lipitor and its generic, atorvastatin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Lipitor (atorvastatin) at a glance<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug information<\/td>\nLipitor (atorvastatin)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in people with various types of high cholesterol<\/li>\n
  • Reduces cardiovascular mortality and events (including risk of heart attacks and strokes) in people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/td>\n\n
Common side effects<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Pain in your bones, spine, joints, or muscles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n
    • Muscle spasms<\/li>\n
    • Stomach upset or nausea<\/li>\n
    • Insomnia or trouble sleeping<\/li>\n
    • Runny or stuffy nose<\/li>\n
    • Sore throat<\/li>\n
    • Diarrhea<\/li>\n
    • Urinary tract infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraindications<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Do not take atorvastatin if you have advanced liver disease or cirrhosis<\/li>\n
  • Do not take atorvastatin if you have had a very serious allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any other statin drug<\/li>\n
  • Atorvastatin should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other considerations<\/td>\n\n