N.S. approves use of generic for cholesterol control drug Lipitor
Published Saturday July 10th, 2010

A5 By The Canadian Press

HALIFAX - Nova Scotians who use the cholesterol control drug Lipitor will soon be able to save money by opting for its less expensive generic.

The Health Department said Friday that it has approved a recommendation from a provincial drug committee allowing pharmacists to substitute prescriptions written for Lipitor with the generic product Atorvastatin.

The committee forwarded its recommendation following a meeting last month.

The Health Department says the change will save the province about $5.2 million for the remainder of this fiscal year, while the average consumer will save about $400 a year depending on their dosage.

Judy McPhee, the province's director of pharmaceutical services, says Lipitor currently costs the health system around $14 million annually.

She said while there will be significant savings, they will be offset by an anticipated $10 million growth in pharmacare programs this year due to the province's aging population.

"Generic drugs, of course, always save us money because they are cheaper than the brand name drug," said McPhee.

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