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Lipitor Price Match: How Long Will You Have to Wait?

Pfizer's Lipitor, a popular cholesterol-lowering medication, has been a staple in many pharmacies for years. However, with the patent expiration and generic alternatives available, the price match duration for Lipitor has become a topic of interest for many patients. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Lipitor price match and explore how long you can expect to wait before the price drops.

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, which helps to lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Lipitor is available in various strengths, including 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg tablets.

Lipitor Patent Expiration

Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, which means that generic versions of the medication became available. However, Pfizer continued to manufacture and sell the branded version of Lipitor, which is still widely available today.

Generic Lipitor Availability

Generic Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, has been available since 2011. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the first generic version of Lipitor was approved in the United States in November 2011. Since then, several generic manufacturers have entered the market, offering their own versions of the medication.

Price Match Duration

So, how long will you have to wait before the price of Lipitor drops? The answer lies in the patent expiration and the generic competition. When a patent expires, the original manufacturer's monopoly is lifted, allowing other companies to produce and sell generic versions of the medication. This increased competition typically leads to lower prices.

Lipitor Price Trends

According to data from GoodRx, a popular prescription discount platform, the price of Lipitor has been steadily decreasing since 2011. In 2011, the average price of Lipitor was around $140 per 30-day supply. By 2020, the average price had dropped to around $30 per 30-day supply.

Why the Price Drop?

The price drop can be attributed to several factors, including:

* Increased generic competition
* Patent expiration
* Decreased research and development costs
* Economies of scale

What Does This Mean for Patients?

For patients taking Lipitor, the price match duration is likely to be several years. While the patent has expired, Pfizer still manufactures and sells the branded version of Lipitor, which is more expensive than generic alternatives. However, as more generic manufacturers enter the market, prices are expected to continue to drop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the duration of the Lipitor price match is likely to be several years, as the patent has expired and generic alternatives are available. While the branded version of Lipitor is still widely available, patients can expect prices to continue to drop as more generic manufacturers enter the market. By exploring generic options and comparing prices, patients can save money on their Lipitor prescription.

FAQs

1. How long will it take for the price of Lipitor to drop?

The price of Lipitor is expected to continue to drop as more generic manufacturers enter the market. However, the exact timeline is difficult to predict.

2. What is the difference between branded and generic Lipitor?

Branded Lipitor is manufactured by Pfizer, while generic Lipitor is manufactured by other companies. Both versions of the medication have the same active ingredient and are approved by the FDA.

3. Can I switch to generic Lipitor?

Yes, you can switch to generic Lipitor if your doctor prescribes it. However, it's essential to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

4. How do I find the best price for Lipitor?

You can find the best price for Lipitor by comparing prices at different pharmacies or using online prescription discount platforms like GoodRx.

5. Will the price of Lipitor continue to drop?

Yes, the price of Lipitor is expected to continue to drop as more generic manufacturers enter the market and competition increases.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,716,643>
2. GoodRx. (2020). Lipitor Prices. Retrieved from <https://www.goodrx.com/lipitor>
3. Pfizer. (2020). Lipitor Product Information. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/products/lipitor>

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