Atorvastatin 20 mg price
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Atorvastatin 20 mg Price: A Comprehensive Analysis
Economic Comparison of Atorvastatin and Simvastatin
Cost Analysis in European Countries
A study comparing the economic impact of simvastatin and atorvastatin in reducing LDL-C levels across 10 European countries found that atorvastatin was generally more expensive than simvastatin. Over a 52-week period, the cumulative cost of atorvastatin was 33% higher than simvastatin during the initial 16 weeks (€134 vs. €101). After titration to 20 mg, the total cost remained significantly higher for atorvastatin (€538 vs. €429).
Cost-Effectiveness in Spain
In Spain, atorvastatin 10 mg/day was identified as the most cost-effective cholesterol-lowering treatment compared to other statins, including simvastatin. The cost per percentage of LDL-C reduction for atorvastatin ranged from €11 to €23, making it the preferred choice for patients with moderate-to-high coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness in High-Risk Asian Patients
Comparative Study in Korea
A study conducted in Korea compared the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of atorvastatin 20 mg versus 10 mg in high-risk Asian patients with hypercholesterolemia. The results showed that atorvastatin 20 mg was more effective in reducing LDL-C levels (42.4% vs. 33.5%) and more cost-effective in terms of both average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.
High-Dose Atorvastatin vs. Standard-Dose Simvastatin
IDEAL Trial in Canada
The IDEAL trial assessed the cost-effectiveness of high-dose atorvastatin (80 mg/day) compared to standard-dose simvastatin (20-40 mg/day) in Canadian patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI). The study concluded that high-dose atorvastatin led to fewer cardiovascular events and was cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $26,795 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.
Cost-Effectiveness in Nordic Countries
A similar analysis in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden found that high-dose atorvastatin was cost-effective compared to generic simvastatin, particularly in high-risk patients. The cost to gain one QALY varied by country, with the lowest being €35,210 in Norway and the highest €62,639 in Finland.
Pricing Implications for Pharmaceutical Benefits
Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
In Australia, the pricing of atorvastatin has significant implications for the PBS. Despite a 25% voluntary price cut by manufacturers, the cost of atorvastatin remains higher than simvastatin. Implementing recommended price adjustments could save taxpayers and consumers an additional $260 million annually.
Conclusion
Atorvastatin, particularly at higher doses, is generally more expensive than simvastatin but offers greater efficacy in reducing LDL-C levels. Its cost-effectiveness varies by region and patient risk profile, with high-dose atorvastatin being particularly cost-effective in high-risk patients. Pricing strategies and adjustments, such as those suggested for the Australian PBS, could further optimize the economic benefits of atorvastatin therapy.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic