Atorvastatin Becomes Affordable as it Goes Generic

Key Takeaways:

• Atorvastatin, previously known as Lipitor, has become a generic drug, making it more affordable and accessible to patients.
• The transition to a generic form means not only substantial savings for patients but also the promise of greater impact, as more patients can now benefit from the medication.
• While other cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as Zocor, Pravachol, and Mevacor) have generic versions, Atorvastatin has been noted as being more potent, making it a more effective choice for managing high cholesterol levels.
• Despite the availability and effectiveness of generic Atorvastatin, maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains fundamentally important, including adhering to a diet based on whole food and plants, together with regular exercise.

The premiere drug, Atorvastatin, has just transitioned to a generic drug, paving its way to being easily accessible for numerous patients, as per medical professionals.

“The shift from Lipitor to a generic version means that it can now benefit a broader array of patients,” commented an eminent medical professor based in Los Angeles.

Great News for Existing Patients

Patients with prescriptions for Lipitor (Atorvastatin) who have been intermittently taking the drug or splitting their pills to extend their prescription will now find the accessibility to their medication improved.

“Atorvastatin is an excellent medication. It’s quite effective at decreasing LDL cholesterol,” mentioned an experienced cardiologist from New York City. “Having a generic now is good news because, regrettably, some patients have to struggle with the painful choice between paying bills and purchasing their medication. Any situation where we can decrease the cost without compromising effectiveness is brilliant.”

IMS Health reported that sales of Lipitor were nearly $4 billion in the first half of the year, with 21 million dispensed prescriptions. In 2010, sales hit a staggering $7.2 billion for its producer, Pfizer.

How Patients Save with Generics

According to figures cited in a leading business newspaper, copays for branded drugs averaged $29 or $49, contrasting with the mere $10 for generics, indicating substantial savings for patients.

Other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Zocor (simvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), and Mevacor (lovastatin) have also transitioned to generic versions. However, they aren’t as potent as Atorvastatin, according to the clinical director of a prominent Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center in New York City.

As of December 1, Crestor (rosuvastatin), another statin, will still be a branded drug.

Atorvastatin Over Other Generics

Atorvastatin appears to have benefits over other generic statins. “While other generic statins are extraordinary and very effective at reducing LDL cholesterol, Atorvastatin tends to be a bit more potent than the current generic statins. Therefore, for patients showing high levels of harmful cholesterol despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the ability to prescribe generic atorvastatin could enable us to control their cholesterol more effectively,” the cardiologist further added.

Maintaining Health along with Medication

Of course, when prescribing, one must consider interactions with other medicines and the fact that many patients on Lipitor may also be on multiple medications.

Also, lifestyle changes should always be prioritized. “Ensuring that the patient follows a healthy lifestyle is fundamentally important. This includes maintaining a diet based on whole food and plants and regular exercise,” the cardiologist said. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, there could be circumstances where medication is essential.

Additional Information:

Access more detailed information about cholesterol from the American Heart Association.