Pfizer Inc. is now offering a discount program to hang on to Lipitor users who would prefer to use the brand-name over the generic versions of the statin drug. The Lipitor Choice Program will allow most individuals to have a month’s supply of the drug for $30 or less a month, a competitive price that is only slightly more expensive than generic versions of Lipitor.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) gave patent approval of Pfizer’s Lipitor in 1996 as treatment for individuals with high LDL cholesterol and who are also at risk for heart disease. Ever since, Pfizer has manufactured, marketed, and sold Lipitor to various clinics and hospitals across the United States and in other countries. According to a Bloomberg Businessweek report, as Pfizer’s most expensive drug, Lipitor generated $13 billion in the record breaking 2006 annual sales report.

In November 2011, the patent for Lipitor expired which left the market open for generic versions of the popular Pfizer medications as a valid option to consumers. However, the marketing and branding of Lipitor has left a strong sense of loyalty for those taking the heart disease medication. As a result, not many patients switched to the cheaper generic brand names, creating a heavy burden on individual consumers and their health plans to cover the pricey Pfizer best-seller.

Since the patent expired, Pfizer has been proactive in retaining its customers while still making Lipitor affordable. The Lipitor Choice Program is only the most recent iteration of Pfizer’s efforts to retain profits and loyal consumers.

Immediately after the patent expiration, Pfizer launched the Lipitor for You program, which offered discount cards allowing individuals to receive a month’s supply of the drug for $4. The new program, Lipitor Choice, will run until 2015 and is reportedly accepted in 98 percent of all American pharmacies.

In the wake of Pfizer’s efforts to make Lipitor more readily available and affordable, consumers should still keep in mind the various risks and side effects that some users have alleged in Lipitor lawsuits.

Lipitor Side Effects and Type-2 Diabetes

The FDA ordered Pfizer to alter their labels and advertisements on August 2011, in order to properly warn consumers of overwhelming scientific evidence linking Lipitor with type-2 diabetes. There were many reports over the past few years of otherwise healthy individuals with no previous history of blood sugar problems developing type-2 diabetes after extended use of the drug. Allegedly, Pfizer has been aware of the possibility of Lipitor diabetes as a side effect, but did not make this widely known to consumers, doctors, or clinics.

In February 2012, Pfizer finally complied and changed their marketing and labels, stating that Lipitor had been found to raise blood sugar levels, which may eventually lead to the development of type-2 diabetes.

Many current and former consumers have decided to pursue a Lipitor class action lawsuit after they allegedly developed type-2 diabetes and other unwanted side effects thanks to the popular statin drug.

Other Lipitor Side Effects

There have several other reported side effects associated with Lipitor use. While the medication may be more affordable than ever, patients and doctors should keep the reported side effects in mind.

Some major and minor Lipitor side effects include:

• Muscle problems, pain, or weakness
• Fever and tiredness
• Liver problems
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Joint pain
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Myopathy