News
FDA Approves First Generic Version of Lipitor
December 19, 2011
On November 30, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic version of the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium tablets). The generic version will be available in 10 milligram, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg strengths.
Atorvastatin lowers cholesterol in the body by blocking an enzyme in the liver. The drug, along with a low-fat diet, can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Atorvastatin can also raise HDL (good) cholesterol, which helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries.
Atorvastatin lowers the risk for heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pain in patients who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease such as:
- age;
- smoking;
- high blood pressure;
- low HDL; or
- family history of early heart disease.
Because of the number of people who currently take Lipitor to control their cholesterol levels, the approval of a generic version of the drug will have a significant impact on the amount of money individuals and health care plans pay for this particular cholesterol-lowering drug. Members, in general, should experience lower copays, since generics usually fall under the lowest copay levels of the prescription benefit.
Generic drugs approved by FDA have the same high quality and strength as brand-name drugs. The generic manufacturing and packaging sites must pass the same quality standards as those of brand-name drugs. The drug will be manufactured by Ohm Laboratories in New Brunswick, N.J.
For more information, please read the complete FDA News Release.