Is Lipitor the Best Choice?

Lipitor is the top-selling prescription drug in the world. Americans spent more than $6.5 billion on Lipitor in 2006 alone. And its maker, Pfizer, is spending millions on a marketing campaign to keep it that way.

Consumer Reports says Lipitor’s compelling ads with Dr. Robert Jarvik may leave you thinking it’s the only statin you can trust to lower your cholesterol.

According to Consumer Reports, Lipitor is a highly effective drug and it’s one good choice for people who have high levels of LDL cholesterol, or who’ve had a heart attack, or who have acute coronary syndrome. However, the vast majority of people can get the same protection from a generic statin at less than half the cost.

Generic drugs are chemical twins of brand-name drugs whose patents have expired. Three generic statins are now available: simvastatin, pravastatin, and lovastatin.

Lipitor’s Web site makes a point of saying there is “no generic form of Lipitor.” However, there will be in two years when its patent expires. No doubt that’s another reason Pfizer is spending big bucks now to drill its brand name into your head.

You can get more information about cost-saving generic statins from Consumer Reports’ free service, CR Best Buy Drugs, at www.BestBuyDrugs.org.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’  Web site. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.