See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

The cost of Lipitor, a popular cholesterol-lowering drug, can significantly impact its overall prescription volume. When the price of a medication is high, patients may be less likely to fill prescriptions or adhere to their recommended treatment plan due to financial constraints [1].

Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease [2]. It was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and its patent expired in 2011, leading to the introduction of generic alternatives [3]. Despite the availability of generics, the brand-name Lipitor can still be expensive, impacting its prescription volume.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the cost of brand-name Lipitor can vary widely depending on the dosage, pharmacy, and insurance coverage [4]. For instance, the cash price for a 30-day supply of 10mg Lipitor tablets can range from $200 to $300 or more [4]. High out-of-pocket costs may deter patients from filling their Lipitor prescriptions, leading to decreased prescription volume.

Moreover, the impact of Lipitor's cost on prescription volume is further influenced by the availability and affordability of generic alternatives. When generic atorvastatin became available in 2012, it was priced significantly lower than brand-name Lipitor, which contributed to a decline in Lipitor's market share [5]. As of 2021, generic atorvastatin is available in various strengths and can be purchased for as little as a few dollars per month [6]. Consequently, patients and healthcare providers may opt for generic atorvastatin over Lipitor due to its lower cost, impacting Lipitor's prescription volume.

In summary, Lipitor's cost can impact its overall prescription volume by affecting patients' willingness and ability to fill prescriptions. The introduction of generic atorvastatin has further influenced Lipitor's prescription volume by providing a more affordable alternative for patients and healthcare providers.

Sources:
[1] "Medication Adherence: WHO Cares?" Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 87, no. 2, 2012, pp. 177-178., doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2011.11.016.
[2] "Atorvastatin." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html.
[3] "Atorvastatin (Oral Route)." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Jan. 2021, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/description/drg-20064531.
[4] "Lipitor Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs." DrugPatentWatch, drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor.
[5] "Generic Lipitor Hits Market." The New York Times, The New York Times, 30 Nov. 2011, www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/business/generic-lipitor-hits-market-thursday.html.
[6] "Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets." GoodRx, goodrx.com/atorvastatin-calcium.