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Generic Drugs

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KEY POINTS

  • A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug, and most drugs are available as generic drugs.
  • A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, and quality, but they can affect you differently.
  • Ask your provider or pharmacist if a generic form of your medicine is right for you.

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What are generic drugs?

Many prescription and nonprescription drugs are available as generic and brand-name products. All brand-name and generic products are reviewed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they go on the market. When a new drug is invented, it is protected by a patent. It is made by one company and is sold under a single brand name. After the patent period ends, other companies may sell their own version of the drug in generic form or under a new brand name.

A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in:

  • Dosage
  • Safety
  • Strength
  • Quality

Generic drugs look different from brand-name drugs. This is because trademark laws don’t allow generics to look exactly like brand-name drugs. Colors, shapes, flavors, and other inactive ingredients may be different. These differences may cause slightly different effects. For example, some brand-name drugs may be more easily absorbed by the body. Brand-name drugs may cause fewer or weaker side effects.

Never assume that a medicine looks different from the brand-name drug just because it is generic. Double-check with the pharmacist that you have the correct medicine before you leave the pharmacy.

What is the benefit of using generic drugs?

Generic drugs may cost less than brand-name drugs. Many insurance companies require that prescriptions be filled with a generic drug if one is available. However, not all medicines are available in a generic form.

Ask your provider or pharmacist if there is a generic form of your medicine and if it is right for you. If your healthcare provider thinks a generic drug is not the best choice for you, your provider will write "Don’t substitute" on your prescription. This lets your pharmacist know to fill the prescription with a brand-name medicine only. Depending on your health plan, you may have to pay more for the brand-name medicine.

Use caution when buying brand-name or generic drugs on the internet. You can check that a pharmacy is a state-licensed pharmacy in the US, and in good standing, through your state pharmacy board. You can also check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) at http://www.nabp.net.

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2015-07-22
Last reviewed: 2015-06-30
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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