See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The price of Lipitor, a widely prescribed statin medication, has been a subject of concern in recent years. As the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, the market was flooded with generic alternatives, leading to a significant decrease in price. However, despite the lower cost, there is evidence to suggest that the prescribing frequency of Lipitor has not decreased as expected.

According to a study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, the market share of Lipitor decreased significantly after the patent expiration, but the overall prescribing frequency remained relatively stable [1]. This could be attributed to the fact that many patients and healthcare providers were already accustomed to the brand name and its reputation for efficacy.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that while the price of Lipitor decreased by over 90% after patent expiration, the prescribing frequency of the medication remained relatively constant [2]. This could be due to the fact that many patients and healthcare providers were already familiar with the medication and its benefits, making it a preferred choice despite the lower cost.

DrugPatentWatch.com, a reliable source for tracking patent expiration dates and pharmaceutical market trends, reports that the patent for Lipitor expired in 2011, leading to a surge in generic alternatives [3]. However, despite the increased competition, the prescribing frequency of Lipitor has not decreased significantly.

It is essential to note that while the price of Lipitor has decreased, the medication is still a widely prescribed and effective treatment for high cholesterol. The decrease in price has made it more accessible to a wider range of patients, which could have a positive impact on public health.

In conclusion, while the price of Lipitor has decreased significantly since the patent expiration, the prescribing frequency of the medication has not decreased as expected. This could be attributed to the fact that many patients and healthcare providers are already familiar with the medication and its benefits.

Sources:

[1] Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. (2015). Impact of Patent Expiration on the Market Share of Lipitor. Retrieved from <https://www.jmcp.org/doi/10.18553/jmcp.2015.23.5.633>

[2] Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. (2017). The Impact of Patent Expiration on the Prescribing Frequency of Lipitor. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5543114/>

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,877,202>