Frequently Asked Questions

Page Contents
What is a generic drug?
What is a drug class?
What is a formulary?
Why does Priority Health have generic drugs on the drug formulary?
If a generic drug is an exact copy of the brand-name drug, why is it less expensive?
How do I know that a generic drug will contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug?
I've heard that generic drugs just don't do the job as well as brand-name drugs. Is this true?
Are generic drugs used by the body the same way as brand-name drugs?
Are generic drugs less potent than brand-name drugs?
Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
I've heard that patients taking generic drugs are more likely to suffer side effects than those using brand-name drugs. Is this true?
Who makes generic drugs?
Are there any generic drugs that Priority Health will not approve for member use?


Q. What is a generic drug?
A. A generic drug is an exact copy of the original brand-name drug. Every drug is given a generic name to describe its chemical makeup.
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Q. What is a drug class?
A. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes drugs into classes. A class is a group of drugs that have a similar therapeutic effect. Drugs in the same class may be approved for the same treatments. For example, Claritin OTC and Allegra are in a class of drugs called non-sedating antihistamines. The FDA has approved these drugs for the treatment of allergy symptoms. If the doctor says that a generic drug is not available, members should ask if an alternative to the brand-name drug in that class is available as a generic. Together, our members and their doctors can make the best choice of medications.
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Q. What is a formulary?
A. A formulary is a list of approved drugs that can be prescribed and dispensed by Priority Health providers. Included in this formulary are brand-name drugs and generic drugs.
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Q. Why does Priority Health have generic drugs on the drug formulary?
A. A generic drug is less expensive than the brand-name drug. The use of generic drugs is an important part of our ability to contain the cost of drug therapy without decreasing quality of care.
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Q. If a generic drug is an exact copy of the brand-name drug, why is it less expensive?
A. Most brand-name drugs are developed under a patent that protects a drug company's investment in developing the drug. This gives the company exclusive rights to sell the drug while the patent is in effect for up to 17 years. After the patent expires, other drug companies can produce the drug. Due to the lower cost of doing business and increased competition, generic copies of the brand-name drugs are sold at lower prices.
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Q. How do I know that a generic drug will contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug?
A. The FDA requires that generic drugs contain the same active ingredients by conducting the same scientific testing as the brand-name drug.
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Q. I've heard that generic drugs just don't do the job as well as brand-name drugs. Is this true?
A. No. To gain Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval, generic drugs must have the same effect in the body as their brand-name counterparts. This means that the generics must contain the same active ingredients, and be identical in strength, dosage form (tablet, solution, etc.), and the route of administration (for example, taken by mouth or applied externally).
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Q. Are generic drugs used by the body the same way as brand-name drugs?
A. Yes. When the same amount of the active ingredients of the generic drug gets into your bloodstream at the same rate as the brand-name version, there is no scientific reason to believe that the effects of the two drugs will differ.
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Q. Are generic drugs less potent than brand-name drugs?
A. No. Generic drug manufacturers have to ensure that their products are of the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as the brand-name products.
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Q. Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
A. Yes. The FDA requires that all drug products be safe and effective, whether they are generic or brand-name drugs.
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Q. I've heard that patients taking generic drugs are more likely to suffer side effects than those using brand-name drugs. Is this true?
A. There is no evidence of this. The FDA monitors reports from doctors and other health care professionals regarding adverse drug reactions, and has found no difference in the rates of adverse reactions between generic and brand-name drugs.
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Q. Who makes generic drugs?
A. Many generic drugs are made by the same companies who make brand-name drugs. FDA officials routinely inspect these drug facilities to ensure that quality standards are met.
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Q. Are there any generic drugs that Priority Health will not approve for member use?
A. Yes. All generic drugs approved for use by Priority Health contract pharmacies for our members are listed on the FDA's Approved Drug Product Listing. If a generic drug does not meet the FDA's standards for efficacy and safety, then only a brand-name drug will be approved by Priority Health. Priority Health does not cover generic drugs for cosmetic purposes. Generics for contraception are also not covered unless you have a contraceptive rider.
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