Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering)
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that lower LDL cholesterol. The most widely prescribed drug class in America.
How Statins Work
Statins block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which reduces cholesterol production. This lowers LDL ('bad') cholesterol by 30-50% and modestly raises HDL ('good') cholesterol. They also reduce triglycerides and arterial inflammation.
Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering) — Ranked by Cost Per Claim (Cheapest First)
| # | Drug | Generic Name | Cost/Claim | Generic? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lipitor | Atorvastatin | $16.00 | Yes |
| 2 | Zetia | Ezetimibe | $21.00 | Yes |
| 3 | Crestor | Rosuvastatin | $28.00 | Yes |
| 4 | Livalo | Pitavastatin | $144.00 | Yes |
| 5 | Vascepa | Icosapent Ethyl | $229.00 | Yes |
| 6 | Nexletol | Bempedoic Acid | $271.00 | Yes |
| 7 | Praluent | Alirocumab | $706.00 | Yes |
| 8 | Repatha | Evolocumab | $757.00 | No |
Potential Savings
Switching from Repatha ($757/claim) to generic atorvastatin ($16/claim) saves $741 per fill — though PCSK9 inhibitors like Repatha target a different mechanism and may be necessary when statins alone are insufficient.
First-line generic: atorvastatin at $16.00/claim. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you.
Key Facts
- 1.Most prescribed drug class in America — over 200 million prescriptions per year
- 2.Generic statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) cost $4-28 per 30-day supply
- 3.PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha, Praluent) cost $700+/month but are reserved for high-risk patients
- 4.Medicare spent over $4.6B on cholesterol drugs tracked here
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest option is Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) at $16 per claim. Switching from Repatha ($757/claim) to generic atorvastatin ($16/claim) saves $741 per fill — though PCSK9 inhibitors like Repatha target a different mechanism and may be necessary when statins alone are insufficient.
Statins block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which reduces cholesterol production. This lowers LDL ('bad') cholesterol by 30-50% and modestly raises HDL ('good') cholesterol. They also reduce triglycerides and arterial inflammation.
All spending data comes from the CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard. Patent and generic information comes from the FDA Orange Book. Prices shown are average cost per 30-day supply claim under Medicare Part D.