Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a once-daily statin available as a generic. In the six-week STELLAR trial, atorvastatin lowered LDL cholesterol by 37% at 10 mg daily to 51% at 80 mg daily. Study results
How much does atorvastatin lower LDL cholesterol?
In STELLAR, atorvastatin reduced LDL cholesterol by an average of 37%, 43%, 48%, and 51% at daily doses of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg, respectively. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 10 mg daily | |
| 20 mg daily | |
| 40 mg daily | |
| 80 mg daily |
These are changes from pretreatment LDL at six weeks in adults with high cholesterol. They are study averages, not a guaranteed response.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is atorvastatin taken?
Atorvastatin is taken once daily, with or without food, at any time of day. The adult dose range is 10–80 mg. Kidney impairment does not require a dose adjustment, although kidney disease can increase susceptibility to muscle injury. Prescribing information.
How does atorvastatin compare with other medications?
Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin are the two statins used at high-intensity doses. In STELLAR, atorvastatin 80 mg lowered LDL by 51%, compared with 52% for rosuvastatin 20 mg. Milligram doses are not interchangeable.
Which medications can be combined with atorvastatin?
A statin can be combined with Ezetimibe or a PCSK9-directed treatment such as Repatha when additional LDL lowering is needed. These medicines act through different mechanisms. Their percentage reductions should not be added together: an added treatment lowers the LDL that remains. Atorvastatin should not be combined with gemfibrozil; the combination increases muscle-injury risk.
How much does atorvastatin cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists atorvastatin 20mg, 30 tablets, at $5.41 before shipping ($10.66 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Atorvastatin 20mg, 30 tablets: $5.41 including the dispensing fee, or $10.66 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 20mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover atorvastatin?
Coverage for atorvastatin varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare lists atorvastatin at Tier 1; 10 and 20 mg carry a preventive-benefit prior-authorization marker. The 40 and 80 mg rows list no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Aetna lists atorvastatin as a preferred generic; 10 and 20 mg have a copay-exempt preventive pathway for eligible adults aged 40–75. Some manufacturers are excluded. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists generic atorvastatin at Tier 1, with a possible home-delivery requirement. The 10 and 20 mg strengths have a preventive-coverage pathway; no prior authorization or step therapy is listed. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Anthem lists atorvastatin at Tier 1; 80 mg is limited to one tablet daily. Lower strengths have dose-optimization rules; 10 and 20 mg have a preventive $0 pathway. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California lists atorvastatin at Tier 1, limited to one tablet daily. The 10 and 20 mg strengths have a preventive-coverage pathway. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | BCBS of Texas lists atorvastatin as a preferred generic; preventive benefits depend on the strength and eligibility. No prior-authorization or step-therapy marker is listed. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of atorvastatin?
Muscle pain can occur; severe muscle injury and serious liver injury are uncommon but important risks. Report unexplained weakness, dark urine, or jaundice promptly. A clinician should review liver disease, pregnancy plans, and the full medication list before treatment. Certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals raise atorvastatin levels and may require a dose limit or a different drug. Large amounts of grapefruit juice can also raise exposure. Full safety information.
Does atorvastatin reduce heart attacks or strokes?
Atorvastatin has cardiovascular outcome evidence, including trials in people with established coronary disease and in selected people without prior cardiovascular events. The expected absolute benefit depends on baseline cardiovascular risk; a 50% LDL reduction does not mean a 50% reduction in heart attacks. Read the supporting evidence.
Is atorvastatin right for you?
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