Using generic drugs may save money. When a doctor writes a prescription, members should ask if a generic drug is available that is right for them. The doctor may be able to substitute a generic drug for a brand medication. Members should talk to their doctor or pharmacist if they have questions or concerns about any medication they are currently taking. Treatment decisions always rest solely with the member and their doctor, but here are answers to some questions 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 active ingredient at the same dosage as the brand medication. The same results can be expected with a generic as with the brand counterpart.
• A generic alternative works like a brand drug and may be used to treat the same condition. But the chemicals in a generic alternative differ from the brand drug or its generic equivalent. So, overall results may be somewhat different.

Important: A pharmacist can usually substitute a generic equivalent for its brand counterpart without a new prescription from the member’s doctor. But only the member’s doctor can determine whether a generic alternative is right for them 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 the pharmacy uses.

Is there a generic equivalent available for the brand drug I’m taking?

Members should ask their doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic version for the medication they take. About half of all brand drugs prescribed in the United States today already have a generic equivalent, and many others soon will.

How can members learn more about generic drugs?

A member’s doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about generic drugs. Members should talk to their doctor to find out if a generic drug might be an option for them. If members have questions about their prescription drug benefit, they can call the Pharmacy Program number on the back of their ID card.

View a sample list of brand drugs and their generic equivalents.

Download the FDA Generic Drug brochure for more information about generic drugs.