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Generic version of atorvastatin authorized
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Physicians and patients now have the opportunity to use a generic version of atorvastatin.
Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the launch of an authorized generic version of atorvastatin, according to a press release.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor, Pfizer) is a calcium tablet that is indicated to reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, as well as increase HDL levels. The agreement with Pfizer will allow Watson to market and distribute all dosage strengths of atorvastatin in the United States. These agreement terms are in effect until November 2016.
“This agreement is a couple of years old, and today was the agreed upon date launch of [Watson’s] authorized generic,” Charlie Mayr, spokesman for Watson Pharmaceuticals, told Cardiology Today. “[This morning] we shipped more than 1 million bottles, including directly to some 28,000 pharmacies.
“In general, generic competition is going to mean a lower price for the product,” Mayr said. “When you consider that Lipitor is dispensed at a rate of greater than one script per second, savings on this product will be significant for consumers.”
Disclosure: Charlie Mayr reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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Atorvastatin going generic has the potential to impact heart health in the same way the Walmart $4 generic program positively impacted overall health. Many patients who should be taking a statin, and specifically atorvastatin, don’t. For those whose reason is they simply cannot afford it, the availability of a generic product should really help. Unfortunately, cost is not the only reason patients who should be taking a statin aren’t, so we still have work to do regarding education about the safety and benefits of the statin class to have maximal impact on primary and secondary prevention strategies.
– Rhonda Cooper-DeHoff, PharmD
Cardiology Today Editorial Board member
Disclosure: Dr. Cooper-DeHoff reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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