See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Individuals may choose Lipitor (atorvastatin) over generic alternatives for several reasons. One primary concern is the patent protection period. Lipitor's patent was not set to expire until 2011, which meant that generic versions of the medication were not available during that time. This limited competition in the market, allowing Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, to maintain a monopoly on the medication.
Another reason individuals might choose Lipitor over generic alternatives is the brand reputation and trust. Lipitor has been on the market for decades, and many patients have developed a familiarity and trust in the brand. This can be particularly important for patients who have experienced adverse effects or have concerns about the quality of generic medications.
Additionally, Lipitor has a well-established dosing regimen and treatment protocol, which can provide a sense of security for patients who have been taking the medication for an extended period. This familiarity can be comforting for patients who are managing chronic conditions like high cholesterol.
Finally, Lipitor has a strong marketing presence, which can influence patient choice. Pfizer has invested heavily in promoting Lipitor, making it a well-known brand in the pharmaceutical industry. This marketing effort can contribute to patients' perceptions of the medication's quality and effectiveness.
In summary, patients may choose Lipitor over generic alternatives due to the patent protection period, brand reputation and trust, established dosing regimen, and strong marketing presence.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor). Retrieved from <
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5,565,321>
2. Pfizer. (n.d.). Lipitor. Retrieved from <
https://www.pfizer.com/medicine/lipitor>
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). High Blood Cholesterol. Retrieved from <
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/high_blood_cholesterol.htm>
Note: The sources cited above are hyperlinked for easy access.