See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Based on the information available, generic alternatives to the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) are indeed available. Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer, lost its patent protection in 2011 [1], allowing other companies to produce generic versions of the drug.

These generic versions of atorvastatin are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been deemed equivalent to Lipitor in terms of safety, effectiveness, and quality [2]. They contain the same active ingredient and are taken in the same dosage form and strength as Lipitor.

It is important to note that while generic drugs can be less expensive than their brand-name counterparts, they still require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is not legal to obtain prescription medications, including generic atorvastatin, without a prescription [3].

In summary, generic alternatives to Lipitor are available, but they still require a prescription to obtain.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin Calcium (Lipitor). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/atorvastatin-calcium>

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, September 20). Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-prescription-and-over-counter-medicines/generic-drugs-questions-and-answers>

[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Buying Medicines Over the Internet: Extra Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-prescription-medicine-online/buying-medicines-over-internet-extra-steps-you-can-take-protect-yourself>