Using generic drugs may save you money. When your doctor writes a prescription, ask if a generic drug is available that is right for you. Your doctor may be able to substitute a generic drug for a brand medication. If you have questions or concerns about any medication you are currently taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Treatment decisions always rest solely with you and your doctor, but here are answers to some questions you might have about generic drugs.
• What are generic drugs?
• Why do generics typically cost less than brand medications?
• Why do generic drugs look different than brand drugs?
• Are generics as safe as brand-name drugs?
• Are generics available for all prescription drugs?
• How can I find out more about generic drugs?
What are generic drugs?
A generic drug is a version of a brand drug. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), compared to the brand drug, a generic:
- is chemically the same
- works the same in the body
- is just as safe and effective
- meets the same standards set by the FDA
- often costs much less
There are two forms of generic substitution:
- A generic equivalent is made with the same ingredients at the same dose as the brand drug. You can expect the same results as with the brand drug.
Example: ibuprofen (generic) is the same drug as Motrin® (brand) - A generic alternative works like a brand drug or another generic drug in the same class of medicines. But the ingredients in a generic alternative are different than the brand drug or its generic equivalent. So, overall results may be somewhat different.
Example: naproxen (generic for Aleve®) is a generic alternative used for the same desired effect as ibuprofen (generic for Motrin®)
Important: Your pharmacist can usually substitute a generic equivalent for its brand counterpart without a new prescription from your doctor. But only your doctor can determine whether a generic alternative is right for you and must prescribe the medication.
Why do generics typically cost less than brand medications?
When a brand drug first becomes available, the manufacturer usually receives a patent. This patent protects their investment in the new drug by keeping other companies from copying and producing it for several years.
When a patent expires, other manufacturers can produce a generic version of the drug – and the cost goes down. On average, a generic drug costs 30 to 80 percent less than its brand counterpart.
Why do generic drugs look different than brand drugs?
Trademark laws require that a generic drug look different than a drug already on the market. So, a generic equivalent will be a different size, shape, and/or color than the brand drug. Although the active ingredient in a generic equivalent is always the same as the brand counterpart, the generic may have different inactive ingredients, such as a coating or flavoring. In addition, since more than one manufacturer may produce a generic equivalent for the same brand drug, generics can vary based on which supplier or suppliers your pharmacy uses.
Are generics as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must review and approve generic drugs before they are made available to the public. Plus, generic drugs must have the same active ingredients and be chemically equivalent to their compatible brand-name drugs, which have years of testing and clinical research behind them. Only generic drugs that have the same clinical effects and safety profile as the brand-name drug require substitution under BCBSNM plans.
Are generics available for all prescription drugs?
No. However, almost 70 percent of all prescriptions are now filled with generic drugs. So there's a good chance a generic can be substituted or your prescription can be changed to another drug that has generic available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic for the drug you take.
How can I find out more about generic drugs?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about generic drugs. Talk to your doctor to find out if a generic drug might be an option for you. If you have questions about your prescription drug benefit, call the customer service number on the back of your ID card. The following resources also provide more information about generic drugs:
Example of cost difference – brand vs. generic (PDF)
FDA generic drug brochure*
*We do our best to ensure that the information on the other health-related Web site listed above is useful, but can't be responsible for the content of that site or any information you may take from there (please read our legal disclaimer). When you click on a choice above, it will open in a new window so that you can explore that site without having to leave here. When you are through visiting the other site, you can close that window and return to the BCBSNM site.
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