What to Know Before Buying Lipitor from Canada

Imagine having to choose between paying rent and paying for life-saving medication. For millions of Americans, this is a harsh reality. Prescription drug costs continue to rise in the United States, and nearly one in four people struggles to afford their medications. As a result, many patients skip doses, delay refills, or stop treatment altogether—choices that can have serious public health consequences. One striking example is Lipitor, a widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug. In the U.S., a 30-day supply of 10mg tablets can cost over $450. In contrast, the same medication is available in Canada for around $51. With such a stark price gap, it’s no surprise that roughly 2.3 million Americans turn to Canadian pharmacies each year for more affordable options. But is this approach safe? Is it legal? And what do you need to know before ordering Lipitor from outside the country?

This guide will help you navigate those questions. You’ll learn about the legal landscape, how Canadian pharmacies are regulated, and what steps to take to purchase Lipitor safely and confidently from licensed sources in Canada.

What is Lipitor used for?

Lipitor is the brand name for atorvastatin calcium. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins. Lipitor works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol. This helps reduce levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is taken once daily, with or without food, and is usually combined with a low-fat diet.

Lipitor is prescribed for:

• Lowering high cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults and children over 10 years
• Treating mixed dyslipidemia (a combination of high LDL and triglycerides)
• Reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease
• Helping people with type 2 diabetes or other risk factors lower their heart risk
• Managing inherited forms of high cholesterol, such as familial hypercholesterolemia

Is it cheaper to buy Lipitor from Canada?

The price difference for Lipitor sold in the U.S. versus Canada is substantial. Here’s a quick comparison for a 30-day supply:

Dosage & Type	U.S. Price	Canadian Price	Estimated Monthly Savings
Lipitor 10 mg (Brand)	$450	$51	$399
Lipitor 20 mg (Brand)	$700	$65	$635

Please note: The Canadian price for this medication is based on figures from Doctorsolve. All prices are for informational purposes and may have changed since the date of publication.

These Lipitor prices reflect retail costs without insurance. Insurance coverage varies significantly. 

Why is lipitor cheaper in Canada compared to the US?

Lipitor is cheaper in Canada primarily due to government-imposed price regulations, a less complex distribution system, lower marketing and legal costs, and larger, order-based price negotiations. In contrast, the free-market nature of US healthcare, lack of federal price controls, and a more complex supply chain all contribute to higher American prices for the same medication

Is It Safe To Get Lipitor From Canada?

Canadian medications meet rigorous safety standards. Health Canada regulates all prescription drugs sold in the country, and its standards meet or even exceed those set by the FDA.

What does Health Canada’s approval process include?

Health Canada’s approval process inclues:

• Clinical trial data review
• Manufacturing facility inspections
• Quality control testing
• Post-market surveillance
• Adverse event monitoring

What does CIPA certification mean for customers? 

The Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) certifies member pharmacies. CIPA represents licensed retail pharmacies in Canada. These pharmacies offer Health Canada‑approved medications when customers provide a valid prescription.

CIPA requirements include:

• Provincial pharmacy licensing
• Licensed pharmacist oversight
• Valid prescription requirements
• Secure medication storage
• Proper shipping procedures

Is it ok to buy Lipitor from Canada?

While technically importing prescription drugs from foreign sources violates federal law, the FDA exercises “enforcement discretion” for personal importation. Under this approach, the FDA generally does not object to personal imports when:

• The medication is for a serious condition and unavailable domestically
• The quantity is limited to personal use (generally 90 days or less)
• The medication doesn’t present an unreasonable risk
• The individual affirms it’s for personal use
• The quantity and frequency don’t suggest commercial use

This policy has allowed many Americans to access affordable medications from Canadian sources without significant legal obstacles. However, it’s important to understand this represents enforcement discretion rather than explicit legal permission.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Ordering Lipitor from Canada

Counterfeit medication risks

Rogue online pharmacies sell counterfeit drugs. These drugs may:

• Contain wrong active ingredients
• Have incorrect dosages
• Include dangerous contaminants
• Lack of quality control
• Expire during shipping

Identifying rogue pharmacies

Warning signs include:

• No prescription required
• Unusually low prices
• No licensed pharmacist
• Unclear contact information
• No physical address
• Unsecured payment methods

Shipping and storage concerns

Medications can degrade during long shipping times, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures. That’s why proper packaging is essential to maintain their stability and potency.

Also Read: How to order Lipitor from a Canadian pharmacy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy prescriptions from Canada?

Yes, it is safe to buy prescription medications from Canada as long as you are using licensed pharmacies. If you are using a prescription referral service such as DoctorSolve, check if they are CIPA-certified.

Also Read: What is a CIPA certified pharmacy?

Is it legal to buy drugs online from Canada?

Technically illegal under the FFDCA. However, the FDA exercises enforcement discretion for personal use. 

Can Floridians buy prescription drugs from Canada?

Florida’s Canadian Drug Importation Program (CDIP) is FDA-approved. However, it’s not yet open to individual retail customers. The program currently serves state agencies only.

What is the most trusted Canadian online pharmacy?

Look for these characteristics:

• CIPA certification required
• Valid prescription requirements
• Licensed pharmacist on staff
• Canadian physical address displayed
• HTTPS secure website
• Third-party verification (PharmacyChecker)
• Transparent pricing and policies
• Responsive customer service
• Proper medication storage and shipping

Doctorsolve.com meets all these criteria. The pharmacy maintains full accreditation and provides comprehensive patient support.

Conclusion and Next Action Steps

Buying Lipitor from Canada can save you thousands of dollars in out of pocket costs. Licensed Canadian pharmacies are safe. CIPA certified online websites can help you access these licensed Canadian pharmacies. It is best to discuss with your healthcare provider about legality. Millions of Americans safely import medications annually.

Ready to start saving? Doctorsolve.com offers safe access to licensed international and Canadian pharmacies. Through Doctor Solve, you can buy Lipitor or Atorvastatin online from a Canadian pharmacy and save up to 80%.

Don’t let high drug costs compromise your health. Explore safe, legal options for accessing essential medications. Your heart health depends on consistent, affordable treatment.

References

• National Library of Medicine. (2020). The high cost of prescription drugs: causes and solutions
• GoodRx. (2025). Lipitor
• DoctorSolve. (2025). Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
• Jama Network. (2020). Socioeconomic and Demographic Characteristics of US Adults Who Purchase Prescription Drugs From Other Countries
• FDA.gov. (2024). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
• National Library of Medicine. (1979). Controlling the Cost of Drugs: the Canadian Experience
• Health Canada. (2024). Drug Products
• National Library of Medicine. (2013). An Overview of Canadian and U.S. Approaches to Drug Regulation and Responses to Postmarket Adverse Drug Reactions
• Health Canada. (2025). Licensed, Certified, Trusted
• Health Canada. (2025). About CIPA
• Health Canada. (2025). Buying Safe Online Prescription Drugs from Canada
• FDA.gov. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions About Drugs
• National Library of Medicine. (2024). FDA’s Enforcement Discretion Policy
• FDA.gov. (2024). Personal Importation
• FDA.gov. (2025). Counterfeit Medicine
• Health Canada. (2021). Choosing a safe online pharmacy
• FDA.gov. (2025). Importation Program under Section 804 of the FD&C Act
• FDA.gov. (2024). FDA Authorizes Florida’s Drug Importation Program
• NCSL.org. (2024). State Drug Wholesale Importation Programs
• FDA.law. (2024). FDA Approves First State Drug Importation Program Under 20-Year-Old Statute, But High Hurdles Remain