Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Brand-names?

In Most Cases They Work Just as Well as Brands and Cost Less Money

Mar 6, 2009 Scott Rupp

Generic drugs can save you money because they cost less than brand-name prescriptions. And, in most cases they are just as effective.

By law generic drugs must have the same active ingredients as the brand names. Plus, they are plentiful – generic options are available for about half of all prescription drugs currently on the market.

According to Consumer Reports, generics are simply copies of the medications that have expired patents. It can take anywhere from 10 to 14 years for a patent to expire, at which point the brand-name manufacturer loses the right to be the only seller of the drug.

If you wish to begin using generic medications, first consult your doctor or pharmacist, and ask for an explanation of the drugs, any difference between the brand name and the generic, and if there are any side effects or physical changes that may manifest because of the switch.

Some doctors may begin prescribing generic medications without consulting with you. If this happens, feel free to check with your doctor and ask any questions. One way to make sure you’re on the same page as your doctor is to talk to him or her while in the office and the prescription is being written.

Doing Your Part to Keep Healthcare Costs Down

Even though you have health insurance that covers most of the cost of medications, you can save yourself a lot of money by switching to generics. For example, many generic prescriptions cost between $5 and $20 while brand name drugs can run from $20 to $50 dollars for each prescription.

If you are taking several medications, the difference in cost for generics and brand names can be staggering. Additionally, by switching to generics, you will be saving the plan money, which will help keep the premium rates lower each year.

The average price for generics is one third the cost of brand names and in this economic climate, every dollar saved is a dollar earned.

Switching Drugs by Class

There is one other way to take advantage of generic medications. If you are taking an expensive brand-name drug, especially for chronic illness, and a generic drug in the same class of medication is available that will work just as well as the brand name, you may speak to your doctor to about the possibility of switching drugs.

Remember, sometimes doctors prescribe certain medications simply because they are what is being promoted by the pharmaceutical companies making the drugs.

Pharmacists are unable to make these kinds of switches so if you are interested in making them, you will have to consult with your doctor.

Reference:

“Generic Drugs,” The Benefits Bulletin, March 2009

The copyright of the article Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Brand-names? in General Medicine is owned by Scott Rupp. Permission to republish Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Brand-names? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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