Generic Lipitor

Currently, there is no generic Lipitor available. Pfizer's patent for Lipitor expires in 2010; once that patent expires, other companies will be allowed to make generic versions of the drug. Although Lipitor is not available in generic form yet, other cholesterol medications are available in generic form.

Lipitor Drug Information

Is There a Generic Version of Lipitor?

Lipitor^® (atorvastatin calcium) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. These Lipitor uses include:

Treatment of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
Treatment of high triglycerides
Prevention of heart or blood vessel disease (known as cardiovascular disease).

Lipitor is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured. However, if you search the Internet for "generic Lipitor" or "generic atorvastatin" (which is the generic name for Lipitor), you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic form of Lipitor until there is an approved version available.

When Will Generic Lipitor Be Available?

The first patent for Lipitor currently expires in March 2010.

This is the earliest date that a generic version of Lipitor could become available. However, other circumstances could cause the exclusivity period to extend beyond 2010. This could include such things as other patents for specific Lipitor uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will most likely begin manufacturing a generic Lipitor drug.

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