Generic equivalents and alternatives

There are two types of generic drugs: Equivalents and alternatives. Here's the difference.

Generic equivalents

The easiest way to lower your prescription drug costs is to use a generic equivalent instead of a brand-name drug, whenever one is available. Generic equivalents contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name version. They are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts. And they usually cost less - in fact, a lot less. So they help drive health care costs down.

Check the generic drug savings calculator  to see how much you could save by choosing a generic equivalent.

Generic alternatives

Not every drug approved by the FDA has a generic equivalent available on the market. It sometimes takes up to 17 years before the ingredient or combination of ingredients in a brand-name drug become available as a generic drug.

Still, most classes have a large number of generic alternatives, which are generic drugs that are approved by the FDA for the exact same use, or for similar uses. They aren't considered equivalents because they don't use the same active ingredient, but they treat the same condition, so they give you and your doctor an alternative. For example, there are over three dozen anti-arthritis drugs, over four dozen antibiotics, and hundreds of drugs to treat the various cardiovascular diseases.

Ask for a generic

If your physician chooses a brand-name drug to treat your condition, ask if a generic is available in the same class of drugs. As long as your physician approves, you will be getting an effective drug that is proven to address your condition, and you will be saving money in the bargain.