Generics are safe, therapeutically effective and may save you $$
Looking to cut back on your prescription costs? Get the same quality and therapeutic
effect of a brand medication without the big price tag by asking your prescriber for a generic medication.
Almost all drug categories have a generic product so you should always ask your prescriber if a generic
alternative is available and right for you. Depending on the type of medication and your co-pay amount,
your savings could be significant. Another way to save on your medication costs is to select a generic
over-the-counter medication like the pharmacy brand of ibuprofen instead of the brand-name Advil®.
Today, 7 in 10 prescriptions filled in the United States are for generic drugs, according to the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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What is a generic medication?
A generic medication contains the same active ingredients as a brand-name medication.
To be more specific, the route of administration and dosage form are identical as the
brand medication. Also, a generic must be therapeutically equivalent in purity, quality
and strength; which means it must have the same healing effect. Plus, the generic
manufacturer is required to produce the medication according to approved
FDA regulations
just like a brand-name medication.
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How can I know when a generic medication is available?
Ask your prescriber if a generic alternative is available to treat your condition.
Before your next refill or any new prescription, consult with your prescriber to
see what generic options are available for you. Your co-payment for generic medications
may be much lower, allowing you to save money on each of your generic prescriptions.
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How can I save money if a brand drug doesn't have an exact generic available?
Prescription drugs are classified into categories like insomnia and cholesterol medications.
Most categories have both brand and generic medications that work alike. For example, Zocor®
and its generic equivalent simvastatin are used in the treatment of cholesterol.
Some medications do not have an exact generic available BUT other generic medications that
fall into the same category may be appropriate, if your doctor agrees. For example, generic
simvastatin can be prescribed instead of the single source brand medication Lipitor® to treat
cholesterol.
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How do I get my brand prescription changed to generic?
Here are 5 easy steps to save you $$$
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Call your doctor's office
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Tell the staff about the savings you read about here
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Ask if there is a medical reason why you can't use a FDA-approved generic medication
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Provide the phone number of the pharmacy you use
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Ask the staff to phone in a new generic prescription, if your doctor thinks it's appropriate for your healthcare regime
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Are there reasons to remain with a brand name medication even if there is a generic on the market?
In some cases, the generic version might not be right for you. Remember,
the FDA regulates the equivalency of active ingredients in generic drugs. Typically there
are variations in the inactive ingredients, which may give the medication its bulk, a
specific shape or color. For some people, these inactive ingredients may have an unanticipated effect.
For example, suppose you're allergic to wheat. If a drug has some added fiber to help it
pass through the gastrointestinal system quickly, that fiber doesn't affect how the drug works
for your arthritis pain. However, if the bulking agent is wheat fiber, you may experience a
slight allergic reaction. If you have a specific allergy, ask your pharmacist about the ingredients
in your medicine and remind your doctor of your allergies. Sometimes there are several generic
versions of a medication with slightly different inactive ingredients, so there may be one that
is right for you. Keep in mind that allergic reactions can occur in brand name drugs as well as generics.
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Remember, your physician works for you!
Your physicians know they can choose more than one medication to treat your condition.
But what they don't know is how much you pay for your prescriptions.
If you tell them you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by switching to a generic,
they may re-examine their prescription choice for you. Remember, you are the one in charge
of your health and healthcare expenses.
Before your next prescription refill,
talk to your physician
to see if a generic medication is right for you.
BeneCard PBF and the FDA suggests you ask the following questions to your prescriber prior to starting a new medication:
- What is the name of the medication, and what is it for
- How and when do I take it, and for how long?
- What are the side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
- Is this medication safe to take with other over-the-counter or prescription medication or dietary supplements that I am currently taking?
- Does it have a generic alternative?
- Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid while taking my medication?
If you don't understand the answers, always ask for an explanation.
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How do I know if my medications have generic equivalents, so I can ask my physician about them specifically?
Below is a sample list of brand-name medications and their generic equivalents.
If you would like to see the generic alternative to your specific medication go to our
drug information screen
found in the member portal.
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Brand Name |
Generic Name |
Accupril® |
Quinapril |
Adderall® |
Amphetamine salt combo |
Allegra® |
Fexofenadine |
Ambien® |
Zolpidem Tartrate |
Ativan® |
Lorazepam |
Augmentin® |
Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate |
Calan SR® |
Verapamil SR |
Cardizem CD® |
Diltiazem HCI |
Cosopt® |
Dorzolamide/Timolol |
Coumadin® |
Warfarin |
Celexa® |
Citalopram |
Darvocet-N® |
Propoxyphene Napsylate w/ APAP |
Duragesic® |
Fentanyl Transdermal |
Flexeril® |
Cyclobenzaprine HCI |
Flonase® |
Fluticasone Propionate |
Fosomax® |
Alendronate |
Glucophage® |
Metformin |
Glucovance® |
Glyburide/Metformin |
Imitrex® |
Sumatriptan |
Keppra® |
Levetiracetam |
Klonopin® |
Clonazepam |
Lamictal® |
Lamotrigine |
Lamisil® |
Terbinafine |
Motrin® |
Ibuprofen |
Naprosyn® |
Naproxen |
Neurontin® |
Gabapentin |
Norvasc® |
Amlodipine Besylate |
Omnicef® |
Cefdinir |
Oxycontin® |
Oxycodone HCL |
Paxil® |
Paroxetine |
Percocet® |
Acetaminophen w/ Oxycodone HCL |
Prilosec® |
Omeprazole |
Procardia® |
Nifedipine |
Protonix® |
Pantoprazole |
Pravachol® |
Pravastatin |
Prozac® |
Fluoxetine |
Relafen® |
Nabumetone |
Remeron® |
Mirtazapine |
Solodyn® |
Minocycline HCL SR 24 hr |
Sonata® |
Zaleplon |
Topamax® |
Topiramate |
Toprol XL® |
Metoprolol Succinate |
Tylenol w/ Codeine® |
Acetaminophen w/ Codeine |
Ultram® |
Tramadol |
Vasotec® |
Enalapril |
Vicodin® |
Hydrocodone / APAP |
Wellbutrin® |
Bupropion |
Xanax® |
Alprazolam |
Zestril® |
Lisinopril |
Zithromax® |
Azithromycin |
Zocor® |
Simvastatin |
Zoloft® |
Sertraline HCL |
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The above table is a sample list of medications and is not all inclusive.
If you have questions about your medication, whether brand or generic, you should
always discuss them with your physician. To find information on hundreds of
prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs visit
www.healthfinder.gov
or go to our
drug information
screen found in the member portal.
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