See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Is Generic Lipitor Available?

Lipitor, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, has been a widely prescribed drug for over two decades. However, with the patent expiration of the original Lipitor formula, many patients and healthcare providers are wondering: is generic Lipitor available?

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, which helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood.

Patent Expiration

Lipitor was first approved by the FDA in 1996, and its patent was set to expire in 2011. However, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, extended the patent through a series of patent extensions and settlements with generic manufacturers. This meant that generic versions of Lipitor were not available until 2011, when the patent finally expired.

Generic Lipitor Availability

As of 2023, generic Lipitor is widely available in the United States and other countries. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks patent expiration dates for pharmaceuticals, the patent for atorvastatin (Lipitor) expired on November 30, 2011.

Benefits of Generic Lipitor

Generic Lipitor offers several benefits to patients and healthcare providers. These include:

* Cost savings: Generic Lipitor is significantly cheaper than the brand-name version, making it a more affordable option for patients.
* Increased availability: With the patent expiration, generic Lipitor is now widely available from multiple manufacturers, reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions.
* Improved competition: The availability of generic Lipitor has increased competition in the market, which can lead to better prices and more innovative treatments.

Manufacturer Options

Several manufacturers now produce generic Lipitor, including:

* Teva Pharmaceuticals: Teva launched its generic version of Lipitor in 2011, shortly after the patent expiration.
* Mylan Pharmaceuticals: Mylan launched its generic version of Lipitor in 2012.
* Sandoz Pharmaceuticals: Sandoz, a division of Novartis, launched its generic version of Lipitor in 2012.

Key Takeaways

* Generic Lipitor is widely available in the United States and other countries.
* The patent for atorvastatin (Lipitor) expired in 2011, allowing for the production of generic versions.
* Generic Lipitor offers cost savings, increased availability, and improved competition in the market.

FAQs

1. Is generic Lipitor as effective as brand-name Lipitor?

Yes, generic Lipitor has been shown to be just as effective as brand-name Lipitor in treating high cholesterol.

2. Are there any differences between generic Lipitor and brand-name Lipitor?

No, generic Lipitor is identical to brand-name Lipitor in terms of its active ingredient, dosage, and formulation.

3. Can I switch from brand-name Lipitor to generic Lipitor?

Yes, you can switch from brand-name Lipitor to generic Lipitor, but it's recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider first.

4. Is generic Lipitor available in other countries?

Yes, generic Lipitor is available in many countries around the world, including Canada, Europe, and Australia.

5. Can I buy generic Lipitor online?

Yes, you can buy generic Lipitor online from reputable online pharmacies, but it's recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider first and ensure that the online pharmacy is licensed and reputable.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/atorvastatin-lipitor>
2. Pfizer. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/products/lipitor>
3. Teva Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.tevapharm.com/products/atorvastatin-calcium-tablets>
4. Mylan Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.mylan.com/products/atorvastatin-calcium-tablets>
5. Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets. Retrieved from <https://www.sandoz.com/products/atorvastatin-calcium-tablets>