Atorvaliq, Lipitor

Introduction

Medically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Written by Dedra Weiss, PharmD
Updated on July 19, 2023

Atorvastatin oral tablet is a generic medication that’s prescribed for high cholesterol and lowering certain heart-related risks. The cost of atorvastatin with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved atorvastatin to:

• manage cholesterol levels in adults and certain children
• lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chest pain, as well as the need for heart surgeries in adults with heart disease (or an increased risk of developing it)
• lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain adults with type 2 diabetes

It may be prescribed with certain other medications and as part of treatment plans that include diet and lifestyle changes.

Read on to learn about atorvastatin and cost. You’ll also find coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about atorvastatin, including its uses, refer to this overview article.

Cost of atorvastatin

Like other medications, the cost of atorvastatin can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use

To find out how much atorvastatin costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may be able to suggest ways to save money on your prescription, including those described in this article. To find out what you’d pay using savings coupons, read the following section.

Coupons for atorvastatin

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of atorvastatin. The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Available app for coupons

To make finding and using these coupons easier, you can download the Optum Perks app. To learn more about this prescription discount app, see this article.

Insurance and other considerations atorvastatin

Here’s a list of things to consider about the cost of prescription drugs:

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of atorvastatin. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for atorvastatin. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin taking it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• A 3-month supply. If you’re taking atorvastatin long term, your doctor may suggest a 90-day supply of the medication. This will have to be approved by your insurance company. Getting a 90-day supply could help lower the drug’s cost. It could also save you time having to make trips to your pharmacy.

If you have questions about any of these considerations, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact your insurance company and talk with a representative.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They may suggest online pharmacy options you could use. You can also ask them about ways to obtain health insurance coverage.

Common questions about atorvastatin and cost

Here are some common questions about atorvastatin and their answers. 

Does atorvastatin 20 mg cost less than atorvastatin 40 mg?

Yes, atorvastatin 20-milligram (mg) oral tablets may cost less than atorvastatin 40-mg oral tablets. Usually, higher strengths of atorvastatin cost slightly more than lower strength forms.

Other factors, such as the pharmacy you use, may also affect the price of your prescription. Talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider to learn the exact cost you’ll pay for atorvastatin.

Why are costs different for brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

This competition may help keep costs of generic medications lower. Also, generic medications contain the same active drugs as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

If you’d like to know more about the cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs, talk with your doctor.

Generics vs. brand names

Atorvastatin is a generic medication. Its brand-name versions are shown in the following table:

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor has prescribed atorvastatin, but you’re interested in taking Lipitor or Atorvaliq, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug.

To learn how the cost of atorvastatin compares with its brand-name versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

* The oral liquid suspension, Atorvaliq, is a type of mixture that you take by mouth. This form is not currently available in a generic version.

What to ask about atorvastatin

This article provides cost information related to atorvastatin. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. Above on this page, you’ll find coupons for atorvastatin.

If you have more questions about paying for this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance company.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask regarding the cost of your medication:

• Is there a price difference between atorvastatin and the brand-name version Lipitor?
• What are my options if I’m unable to afford my medication?
• Will the amount I pay for atorvastatin change during my treatment?

Resources

• Atorvastatin calcium — atorvastatin calcium tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5412835b-27c6-461f-97b9-b5bf03afe7f2/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.