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Is atorvastatin exactly the same as lipitor. Atorvastatin vs Lipitor: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

by alexxlab

Is atorvastatin exactly the same as Lipitor. How do generic and brand-name statins compare in effectiveness and safety. What are the key considerations when choosing between atorvastatin and Lipitor.

The Basics of Atorvastatin and Lipitor

Atorvastatin and Lipitor are essentially the same medication, with Lipitor being the brand name and atorvastatin the generic version. Both belong to a class of drugs called statins, which are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved atorvastatin in 1996, initially sold under the brand name Lipitor by Pfizer. When Lipitor’s patent expired in November 2011, generic versions of atorvastatin became available on the market.

These medications work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol production in the liver. By reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the body, these drugs help lower the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. Additionally, they can help increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol.

Comparing Effectiveness: Generic Atorvastatin vs Brand-Name Lipitor

One of the primary concerns when switching from a brand-name drug to its generic counterpart is whether the effectiveness will be the same. In the case of atorvastatin and Lipitor, several studies have addressed this question.

A 2017 study involving 266 participants taking either proprietary atorvastatin (Lipitor) or generic atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium) found no statistically significant difference between the drugs in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglyceride levels. The researchers concluded that switching patients from branded medications to less expensive generic versions is clinically sound and a sensible approach to lowering healthcare costs.

Another study focused on patients aged 65 years and older who were hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and prescribed either Lipitor or generic atorvastatin upon discharge. The results showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes within one year of starting the drug. This research provides reassurance about the effectiveness of generic atorvastatin products when used in routine clinical practice for the ACS population.

Dosage and Administration: Similarities and Differences

Both generic atorvastatin and brand-name Lipitor are available as oral tablets taken once per day. The standard daily dose for adults is typically the same for both medications. Treatment usually begins with a dose of 10 mg to 20 mg, which may be increased to higher doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg daily, depending on the patient’s response and therapeutic goals.

For pediatric patients (children 10-17 years of age), the starting dose of atorvastatin is 10 mg orally per day, which can be increased to a daily maintenance dose of 10 mg to 20 mg. It’s important to note that the appropriate dosage should always be determined by a healthcare provider based on individual patient factors and treatment objectives.

Are there any differences in how generic atorvastatin and Lipitor are administered?

There are no significant differences in the administration of generic atorvastatin and Lipitor. Both medications are taken orally, usually once daily, with or without food. The timing of the dose (morning or evening) can be flexible, but it’s generally recommended to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.

Therapeutic Uses of Atorvastatin and Lipitor

The primary use of both atorvastatin and Lipitor is to treat hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These medications are particularly effective in reducing LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, which can contribute to the formation of plaques in artery walls. By lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while potentially increasing HDL cholesterol, these drugs help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

In addition to treating existing hyperlipidemia, atorvastatin and Lipitor are also prescribed for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. This means they can be used in patients who have not yet experienced a cardiovascular event but are at high risk due to factors such as family history, diabetes, or hypertension (primary prevention), as well as in patients who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke to prevent future events (secondary prevention).

What other conditions can atorvastatin and Lipitor treat?

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition causing very high cholesterol levels)
  • Mixed dyslipidemia (a combination of high cholesterol and high triglycerides)
  • Hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides in the blood)
  • Prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary heart disease

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

As with all medications, both atorvastatin and Lipitor can cause side effects. The side effect profile is generally similar for both the generic and brand-name versions. Common side effects may include:

  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Headache
  • Digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • Joint pain
  • Insomnia
  • Mild cognitive effects (memory loss, confusion)

While these side effects are generally mild and often resolve on their own, some patients may experience more severe reactions. One of the most serious potential side effects of statins is rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney damage. Patients should be aware of the signs of this condition, which include severe muscle pain, weakness, and dark-colored urine.

Are there any differences in the side effect profiles of generic atorvastatin and Lipitor?

The side effect profiles of generic atorvastatin and Lipitor are generally considered to be equivalent. However, some patients may report experiencing different side effects when switching between the generic and brand-name versions. This could be due to differences in inactive ingredients or individual patient factors rather than differences in the active ingredient itself. If a patient experiences new or worsening side effects after switching between generic and brand-name versions, they should consult their healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Both atorvastatin and Lipitor can interact with various other medications, foods, and substances. Some notable interactions include:

  1. Grapefruit juice: Can increase the concentration of the drug in the blood, potentially leading to increased side effects
  2. Certain antibiotics: May increase the risk of muscle-related side effects
  3. Cyclosporine: Can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin
  4. Gemfibrozil: Increases the risk of muscle-related side effects when used with statins
  5. Certain HIV medications: Can affect the metabolism of atorvastatin

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking to avoid potential interactions. Additionally, certain medical conditions may require special precautions or dosage adjustments when taking atorvastatin or Lipitor. These include liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.

Are there any differences in drug interactions between generic atorvastatin and Lipitor?

The drug interactions for generic atorvastatin and Lipitor are essentially the same, as they contain the same active ingredient. However, as with side effects, individual patients may occasionally report differences in how they respond to interactions when switching between generic and brand-name versions. This could be due to variations in inactive ingredients or individual patient factors. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns about drug interactions, regardless of whether they are taking the generic or brand-name version.

Cost Considerations: Generic Atorvastatin vs Lipitor

One of the most significant differences between generic atorvastatin and brand-name Lipitor is the cost. Generic medications are typically much less expensive than their brand-name counterparts, often costing a fraction of the price. This cost difference can have a substantial impact on patient adherence to medication regimens, especially for those who need to take the medication long-term.

The lower cost of generic atorvastatin has made this important medication more accessible to a broader range of patients, potentially improving overall public health outcomes by increasing the number of people able to effectively manage their cholesterol levels. However, it’s important to note that the actual cost to patients can vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage, pharmacy pricing, and available discount programs.

How much can patients save by choosing generic atorvastatin over Lipitor?

The cost savings of choosing generic atorvastatin over brand-name Lipitor can be substantial. While exact prices vary depending on location, pharmacy, and insurance coverage, patients may save anywhere from 50% to 90% by opting for the generic version. For example, a month’s supply of brand-name Lipitor might cost several hundred dollars, while the same supply of generic atorvastatin could cost less than $20. However, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider and insurance company to understand their specific cost-saving options.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

When deciding between generic atorvastatin and brand-name Lipitor, several factors should be taken into account:

  • Effectiveness: Studies have shown that generic atorvastatin is equally effective as Lipitor in lowering cholesterol levels.
  • Cost: Generic atorvastatin is significantly less expensive than Lipitor, which can be a crucial factor for many patients.
  • Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may prefer or require the use of generic medications when available.
  • Personal preference: Some patients may feel more comfortable with a brand-name medication, while others are equally confident in generic versions.
  • Individual response: In rare cases, patients may respond differently to the generic versus the brand-name version due to differences in inactive ingredients.

Ultimately, the decision between generic atorvastatin and Lipitor should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the patient’s individual medical history, risk factors, and personal preferences.

Should patients be concerned about switching from Lipitor to generic atorvastatin?

For the vast majority of patients, switching from Lipitor to generic atorvastatin should not be a cause for concern. The FDA requires generic medications to meet strict standards for equivalence to their brand-name counterparts in terms of active ingredients, dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, and performance characteristics. However, as with any medication change, patients should monitor for any changes in effectiveness or side effects and report these to their healthcare provider. In rare cases, a patient may respond differently to the generic version, in which case their healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action.

Lipitor vs. Generic Lipitor (Atorvastatin): A Comparison

  1. Are generic atorvastatin and Lipitor really equivalent?
  2. Atorvastatin dose
  3. Atorvastatin use
  4. Atorvastatin and moderations 
  5. Atorvastatin side effects

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic drugs and brand-name drugs should be equivalent in approved dosage, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, and performance characteristics. Essentially, they should be the same medication except in name (FDA, 2018). 

Generic medications are typically only sold once the patents and exclusivities protecting the brand-name version end. Once the patent expires, drug companies must meet strict standards to demonstrate that the generic version effectively provides the same clinical benefits.

Initially sold by Pfizer under the brand name Lipitor, the FDA approved atorvastatin in 1996; once the brand name patent expired in November 2011, a generic version swiftly entered the market.

The widely used statin, also known as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, is FDA-approved to reduce elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, as well as to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke (FDA, 2017).

Aside from atorvastatin, there are several other FDA-approved statin drugs used to lower LDL cholesterol: fluvastatin (brand name Lescol), rosuvastatin (brand name Crestor), lovastatin (brand name Mevacor), pitavastatin (brand name Livalo), pravastatin (brand name Pravachol), and simvastatin (brand name Zocor). 

A 2017 study of 266 people taking proprietary atorvastatin (Lipitor) or generic atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium) looked at this question. They found no statistically significant difference between the drugs in lowering total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglyceride levels. The researchers concluded that switching people from branded medications to less expensive generic versions is clinically sound and a sensible approach to lowering health care costs (Loch, 2017).

Another study looked at people aged 65 years and older hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and prescribed Lipitor or generic atorvastatin once they went home. The results suggested no significant difference in clinical outcomes within one year of starting the drug. The researchers stated that their findings should reassure people about the effectiveness of generic atorvastatin products when used in routine clinical practice for the ACS population (Jackevicius, 2016).

Generic atorvastatin and brand name Lipitor are both available as an oral tablet taken once per day.

Similarly, they share the same standard daily dose for adults. Dosing usually begins at 10 mg to 20 mg, then progresses to higher doses like 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg daily. The pediatric dose (children 10-17 years of age) of atorvastatin starts at 10 mg orally per day, then proceeds to a daily maintenance dose of 10 mg to 20 mg (FDA, 2017). 

Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the most appropriate dose depending on your therapeutic goals and response to the drug.

One of the most common uses for atorvastatin is to treat hyperlipidemia, which occurs when you have high cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood. The body uses cholesterol to create substances like hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D, and triglycerides provide the body with energy. Too much cholesterol causes a buildup of plaques in artery walls, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes (HHS, 2005).

The problem with hyperlipidemia is that it doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms, so it can be tricky to diagnose. Healthcare providers rely on routine blood tests and patient history to identify a possible link to the condition (Hill, 2020). During your appointment, your healthcare professional may ask about the following to determine your heart disease risk (Hill, 2020): 

  • Family history of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels
  • Diet and exercise habits
  • Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
  • History of coronary artery disease
  • Your risk factors for coronary heart disease, like high blood pressure
  • Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease or angina (chest pain)

Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides along with dietary modifications, like choosing a low-fat diet and eating high-fiber foods. Other uses for atorvastatin include (FDA, 2017):

  • For people with cardiovascular risk factors, atorvastatin can decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular risk factors include age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, low HDL (“good” cholesterol), or a family history of early heart disease.
  • Atorvastatin can reduce the likelihood of heart surgery, as well as lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease.
  • Adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, disorders that cause abnormal cholesterol levels, can have lower cholesterol levels with atorvastatin.
  • In pediatric patients (aged 10-17 years) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic condition where the body cannot remove cholesterol normally), it can decrease cholesterol levels.

Hyperlipidemia is a progressive, life-long disease. When left untreated, people can develop cardiovascular disease, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Luckily, most people can manage hyperlipidemia with medication, diet, and lifestyle modifications.

According to the American Heart Association, diet is one method in your arsenal for lowering your cholesterol. Cut back on the trans and saturated fats found in red meat and fried foods, and focus on a heart-healthy approach to eating that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (AHA, 2017).

Exercise is another essential part of the solution and can help increase the effectiveness of the medication. The AHA recommends 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, per week of moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling (AHA, 2017).

It seems like common sense that diet and exercise can improve health, but there is actual data to support these recommendations. Researchers found that people who adopted lifestyle modifications, like eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, not smoking, and no obesity, had a much lower risk of coronary artery disease events than those who didn’t practice these wellness habits. The risk was 50% lower in people with healthy lifestyle changes (Khera, 2016).

Lifestyle modifications can go a long way to improving your overall health and your risk for heart disease. However, some people don’t see enough change in their cholesterol numbers and need prescription drugs, like atorvastatin, to help.

Before starting a new medication, it’s important to educate yourself on potential side effects and drug interactions. Atorvastatin has been linked to various adverse reactions. Although they are often mild, you should consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if any of these symptoms become more severe or do not go away.

Common side effects of Lipitor in placebo-controlled trials include (FDA, 2017):

  • Cold symptoms
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in arms or legs
  • Urinary tract infections 
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Muscle pain, aches, or spasms (myalgia)
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Forgetfulness or memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Less often, atorvastatin may cause more serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following (UpToDate, n.d.).

  • Muscle disease (myopathy) or rhabdomyolysis
  • Liver problems
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Severe skin rash (including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
  • Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction with swelling and difficulty breathing)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Atorvastatin can cause elevations in liver blood test levels, specifically in serum transaminases. Your provider may run baseline blood tests before starting atorvastatin (McIver, 2020). People with active liver disease should not take atorvastatin.

Seek medical advice right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage or failing liver function, like fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, or dark urine. Another severe but rare side effect is rhabdomyolysis—muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney disease and even death. If you have muscle aches (which are not uncommon by themselves) and also have a fever, extreme tiredness, or dark-colored urine, this might be a sign of rhabdomyolysis. Get medical attention immediately.

Lastly, do not use atorvastatin if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding because of the risk of adverse effects.

In summary, statins like atorvastatin are very effective at treating high cholesterol and lowering your risk of heart disease, especially when used along with lifestyle changes. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk and benefits to see if atorvastatin is right for you. 

  1. American Heart Association (AHA). (2017). Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia
  2. Hill, M. F. & Bordoni, B. (2020). Hyperlipidemia. StatPearls. Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559182/
  3. Jackevicius, C. A., Tu, J. V., Krumholz, H. M., Austin, P. C., Ross, J. S., Stukel, T. A., et al. (2016). Comparative effectiveness of generic atorvastatin and lipitor® in patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome. Journal of the American Heart Association, 5(4): e003350. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.116.003350. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859299/
  4. Khera, A.V., Emdin, C.A., Drake, I., Natarjan, P., & Bick, A.G. (2016). Genetic risk, Adherence to a healthy lifestyle, and coronary disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 375: 2349-2358. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1605086. Retreived from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1605086
  5. Loch, A., Bewersdorf, J. P., Kofink, D., Ismail, D., Abidin, I. Z., & Veriah, R. S. (2017). Generic atorvastatin is as effective as the brand-name drug (LIPITOR®) in lowering cholesterol levels: a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study. BMC Research Notes, 10(1), 291. doi: 10.1186/s13104-017-2617-6. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514478/
  6. McIver, L. A. & Siddique, M. S. (2020). Atorvastatin. StatPearls. Retrieved Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430779/
  7. UpToDate. (n.d.). Atorvastatin: Drug Information. Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/atorvastatin-drug-information
  8. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (2005). Your guide to lowering your cholesterol with TLC. Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/chol_tlc.pdf
  9. U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2018). Generic drugs: questions & answers. Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/questions-answers/generic-drugs-questions-answers#q2
  10. U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (May 2017). LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets, for oral use. Retrieved on Oct. 8, 2020 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020702s067s069lbl.pdf

Dr. Chimene Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Senior Medical Writer/Reviewer at Ro.

Lipitor vs. Generic Lipitor: Should I Switch?

  1. What are statins, and how do they work?
  2. What is generic Lipitor?
  3. Reasons for switching from Lipitor to generic Lipitor

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

When we think of generic drugs, it’s easy to think of them as designer knock-off handbags: they do enough to pass for the original—unless you look too close. But that’s a fallacy when it comes to prescription medications. Instead, it’s more accurate to think of a designer handbag with the tag ripped out. You can’t charge for the well-known brand name anymore, but it’s still the same quality, the same design, the same, well, everything that truly matters.

Many of us need to get familiar with these generic medications, even though they’re not household names. Between 2003 and 2012, the percentage of Americans over the age of 40 taking cholesterol-lowering medication increased from 20% to 28%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those people, a considerable 93% were on a statin, such as Lipitor (CDC, 2015). So if you’re considering generic Lipitor, here’s what you need to know about how it compares to the brand-name.

Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are a class of medications that aim to reduce elevated cholesterol levels in people with a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (also called heart disease), a group of conditions that can cause heart attack, chest pain, and stroke. High cholesterol is one of the six primary risk factors for developing CVD (Texas Heart Institute, 2020). Statin medications lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that controls the rate at which cholesterol is made by the body. This class of medications includes:

  • atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)
  • lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor)
  • pitavastatin (Livalo)
  • pravastatin (Pravachol)
  • rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • simvastatin (Zocor)

But there are two types of statins: those marketed as single-ingredient products, like those listed above, and those that are combined with other medications to help further reduce cholesterol levels. These combined medications include (FDA, 2014):

  • Advicor (lovastatin/niacin extended-release)
  • Simcor (simvastatin/niacin extended-release)
  • Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe)

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Drugs

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Some prescription medications are sold under both a brand name and their chemical name, also known as the generic version. When a company develops a drug, they get a patent on the active chemical component—but these patents can expire. As soon as a patent expires, a generic form of the medication can be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale. That’s what happened with Lipitor. Generic Lipitor is governed by the same rules the FDA has for all generic drugs: it has to have the same active ingredient as Lipitor (in this case atorvastatin calcium), as well as the same strength, dosage form, and route of administration (in this case, a pill taken by mouth). Whoever makes the generic version of a drug has to prove to the FDA prior to approval that it’s the same as the brand-name drug (FDA, 2018).

Simply put, brand-name Lipitor and generic atorvastatin are the same medication, and, because of that, each is just as safe and effective as the other. Lipitor is made by Pfizer and generic Lipitor, which was first available in November 2011, is made by many different companies.

The efficacy of generic drugs has also been tested in studies. There was no difference in health or outcomes between patients on Lipitor and those taking generic atorvastatin in one study that looked at people who had been hospitalized for heart attacks (Jackevicius, 2016). A 2017 study compared Lipitor to generic drugs with the same formulation in patients with hyperlipidemia and found the same to be true. Generic atorvastatin was just as effective as Lipitor at lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (Loch, 2017).

It should be noted, though, that generic drugs come with the same potential side effects as their brand-name counterparts. For generic Lipitor, that includes rhabdomyolysis/muscle problems, liver damage, increased blood sugar, digestive upset, joint pain or muscle pain, tiredness, neurological effects, and memory loss.

People generally switch between these statin drugs for two reasons: the price difference or their health insurance coverage. Generic drugs are generally cheaper than prescription drugs. Health insurance may cover part of your prescription cost, but the copay on a generic form of a drug is still generally lower than that of brand-name drugs.

There is also a chance that one drug or the other isn’t covered by your specific health insurance plan. Review the prescription medication information from your health insurance provider if you have specific questions about what is covered. If you are interested in switching drugs for the treatment of your high cholesterol, it’s best to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

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The biggest factors your healthcare provider may consider when discussing a switch from a brand-name statin drug to its generic version is how well that chemical compound is working for you and whether you’re experiencing side effects. It’s possible that your prescribing physician may want to switch you from Lipitor to another generic statin drug, rather than atorvastatin. Your healthcare provider may perform a blood test to evaluate your cholesterol levels and decide if you should switch to generic Lipitor or should try a different statin drug.

It’s also important to keep in mind that since it’s the same chemical compound, generic Lipitor will have the same potential drug interactions as the brand-name version. Just like with Lipitor, drinking alcohol with generic atorvastatin is generally safe if done moderately, though people with liver conditions such as liver disease should avoid alcohol when taking statins. If you have any questions about your individual health and making the switch from brand-name to generic Lipitor, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2015, November 06). Products – Data Briefs – Number 177 – December 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2020 from https://www. cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db177.htm
  2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2014, December 16). Statins. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/statins
  3. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2018, June 01). Generic Drug Facts. Retrieved Aug. 9, 2020 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts 
  4. Jackevicius, C. A., Tu, J. V., Krumholz, H. M., Austin, P. C., Ross, J. S., Stukel, T. A., et al. (2016). Comparative Effectiveness of Generic Atorvastatin and Lipitor ® in Patients Hospitalized with an Acute Coronary Syndrome. Journal of the American Heart Association, 5(4). doi:10.1161/jaha.116.003350. Retrieved from https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.116.003350
  5. Loch, A., Bewersdorf, J. P., Kofink, D., Ismail, D., Abidin, I. Z., & Veriah, R. S. (2017). Generic atorvastatin is as effective as the brand-name drug (LIPITOR®) in lowering cholesterol levels: A cross-sectional retrospective cohort study. BMC Research Notes, 10(1), 291. doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2617-6. Retrieved from https://bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13104-017-2617-6
  6. Texas Heart Institute. (2020, February 03). Heart Information Center: Heart Disease Risk Factors. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2020 from https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/heart-disease-risk-factors/ 

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.

Lipitor: what is it – AMO Academy News