Lipitor faces first big generic hurdle

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2006 | by Julie Schmit

As employers look to cut prescription drug costs, some consumers are finding Lipitor, the world's most popular drug, harder and more expensive to get.

The leading anti-cholesterol drug is under pressure as employers push for use of lower-cost generics. In June, No. 2 anti-cholesterol drug Zocor went generic, setting up Lipitor's first big generic challenge.

Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, a part of Consumers Union, estimates 20 million Americans take anti-cholesterol drugs, or statins. It also estimates about 60% of people who take brand-name drugs -- Lipitor, Zocor, Vytorin and Crestor -- take less than 40 milligrams a day, could safely take one of three generics and should talk to their doctors.

That adds up to potential savings of $7 billion to $11...