See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Yes, switching to cheaper Lipitor alternatives can result in significant savings. Lipitor, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, is available in generic forms as atorvastatin. According to DrugPatentWatch.com [1], the patent for Lipitor expired in November 2011, leading to the introduction of generic alternatives.

The cost of brand-name Lipitor can be considerably higher than its generic counterparts. For instance, GoodRx.com [2] indicates that the cash price for 30 tablets of 10mg Lipitor is approximately $335, while 30 tablets of 10mg atorvastatin cost around $10. This represents a potential savings of over $320 per month.

Moreover, insurance plans often have lower copayments for generic medications compared to brand-name drugs. According to the FDA [3], "generic drugs have the same quality and performance as brand-name drugs." Therefore, switching to a cheaper Lipitor alternative, such as atorvastatin, can provide substantial savings without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

In summary, switching to cheaper Lipitor alternatives, such as atorvastatin, can lead to significant cost savings. The patent for Lipitor has expired, and generic versions are available at a fraction of the cost of the brand-name drug.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Lipitor
[2] GoodRx.com - Lipitor vs. Atorvastatin
[3] FDA - Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers