If not then will Lipitor go generic?
Is there a generic drug available for lipitor?
Question posted by aquanaut on 22 Nov 2009
Last updated on 3 September 2012
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7 Answers
bookergirl
9 April 2012
I was switched over to the "generic" Lipitor in Jan. In March I started experiencing severe muscle cramps, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. I still had some Lipitor samples so switched back to that for a week and all of these side effects abated. Everyone tells me that both meds are "exactly the same" but why did I have the problems with the generic and not the brand name?? Anyone else have any issues with the generic? Thanks.
dave159
3 Sep 2012
As with "bookergirl", I too have had a bad time with the generic Lipitor. I had been taking Lipitor 20 mg for a number of years with absolutely no side effects, and always positive results in lowering my cholesterol. Then when the generic version Atorvastatin became available, and due to the higher costs thru my insurance, I switched to the Atorvastatin 20mg last June. All this summer I have had terrible leg cramps, muscle soreness, swelling ankles, feet, and blurred vision. I stopped taking the Atorvastatin two days ago, and already have noticed a difference. I'm going to see my doctor this week to switch to something else. The generic Atorvastatin must be a different configuration or it lacks something that Lipitor has to reduce the above side effects.
postal1
22 Feb 2012
Lipitor is now generic, this is after Jan 2012 when I got a refill. Half the price, which is nice. Have not noticed any difference!
belljosh93
16 July 2011
Noodles is correct about when the generic for Lipitor will come out. Both will have different effects for different people. It is hard to say which one will be easiest on the body.
1foxyone
23 Feb 2011
As of today, 2/23/2011, Banner health is giving in hospital meds of atorvastatin. Since lipitor is the only atorvastatin, it must be generic. I know Britain was given the OK to make the lipitor generic in July 2010. Last I heard the patent was to run out in November 2010 in the US, unless an extention was paid for.
Inactive
28 June 2010
You may find a number of companies currently offering generic lipitor online but these are most likely fake and potentially dangerous. For this reason you should avoid buying any generic lipitor until an approved generic becomes available.
Inactive
28 June 2010
forgot to mention:
There is often confusion between the generic name and the generic version of a drug. Every brand name has an active ingredient which is called the "generic name".
For lipitor, the generic name is atorvastatin.
This is not the same as a "generic version" of a drug. In order for there to be a generic version, the brand name must have gone off-patent and another company besides the orignial manufactuer must be making the medicine.
gerald buchel
20 Jan 2011
I live in Costa Rica. I am taking a generic for Lipitor called Calox, 10 mg per day. I assume it is not available in the USA, yet. Is it safe? Please comment.
Noodles
28 June 2010
As of June 2010 there is not a generic version of Lipitor available. A generic form is expected to come to market around November 2011. Pfizer and Ranbaxy (a generic manufacturer) have entered into an agreement that will not allow Ranbaxy to make generic Lipitor until then.
dianesusan
23 Nov 2009
I was taking 40mg/day of Lipitor.After running out of free samples and problems with my insurance, my doctor switched me to 40mg/day of Pravastatin. I have had my blood checked twice since on Pravastatin with no problems at all.
Related topics
lipitor, high cholesterol, atorvastatin, generic
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