Drug Coverage – Generic Drugs

A generic drug is a version of a brand-name 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
• often costs much less

There are two forms of generic drugs:

• 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 differ.
  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 for a brand drug without a new prescription from your doctor. But only your doctor can determine if a generic alternative is right for you and must prescribe it.

Laws require that a generic drug look different than a drug already on the market. So, a generic will be a different size, shape, and/or color than the brand drug. The active ingredient in a generic drug is always the same as the brand drug. However, the generic may have different inactive ingredients, such as a coating or flavoring.

Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must review and approve generic drugs before they are offered to the public. Brand drugs have years of testing and clinical research behind them. Generics must have the same active ingredients as their brand drugs. BCBSNM requires use of generic drugs when they are available.

No. However, nearly 90% of all prescriptions are now filled with generic drugs. There's a good chance a generic can be used or your prescription can be changed to another drug that has a generic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic for the drug you take.

Your doctor or pharmacist can let you know more about generic drugs. Ask your doctor which generic might be an option for you. If you have questions about your prescription plan benefits, call the phone number on the back of your member ID card.

Visit fda.gov for more information about generic drugs.