888-765-5400GENERIC VS. BRAND NAME DRUGS
Save with generic drugs, they are the same as brand name drugs in dosage, safety, active ingredients, and quality. Generic co-pays are usually lower too.
When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it gets a patent that allows it to be the only seller of that drug. When the patent expires, other companies can offer medications with the same active ingredient which are referred to as generic drugs, and they are generally less expensive, they could be as much as 75% percent less than their brand name equivalents.
Generic drugs are approved by the FDA, and are identical to brand name drugs in terms of quality. Generic drugs also have active drug ingredients that are identical to their brand name equivalents. In fact, the FDA reviews data showing the drug is bioequivalent to the brand name drug, monitors manufacturing practices of the drug, and reviews the active and inactive ingredients used in the drug before it is marketed.
Your co-payment for a generic drug is generally less than for a preferred or non-preferred brand name prescription drug. It also could be less than your actual co-payment.
About half of brand name drugs have generic equivalents, so the next time your doctor is writing a prescription make sure to ask if a generic is available.
The information contained herein is not a substitute for medical advice. It is only for reference and should not be used to determine treatment for your specific medical condition. Only a health care provider can do this.