When your doctor submits a prescription to your pharmacy, they often have a choice between a brand-name drug and a generic version. Not all drugs have a generic version because they can’t be made until the patent expires on the brand-name drug, and that usually takes 20 years. If, however, a generic drug is available, here’s what you should know about the difference.  

Do Generic Drugs Work as Well as Brand-Name Ones?

Before a generic drug can be sold in the pharmacy, it must be approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The makers of the generic drug must show that it performs as well as its brand-name counterpart. The active ingredients must be the same, have the same dosage, and it must be administered in the same way. The inactive ingredients, such as coatings and dyes, are typically different, so a generic pill might be a different shape or color.

While you can trust that the generic drug is as safe and effective as the brand-name version, there are a few differences. The inactive ingredients might mean the drug doesn’t work as quickly as its brand-name counterpart. If you have food or drug allergies, you should check the inactive ingredients to make sure you’re not allergic to anything it contains. Do this for brand-name drugs as well, to make sure you’re getting one that works for you.

Do Generic Drugs Cost Less?

Yes, generic drugs can cost as much as 85% less than a brand-name drug at your pharmacy. Generic drug makers can do this because the brand-name manufacturer has already shouldered the initial cost of clinical trials and marketing. Insurance companies and plans have different rules and co-pays when it comes to generic and brand-name drugs, so make sure you understand what you’ll pay when you talk to your doctor about switching. Your pharmacy should be able to tell you the cost difference based on your prescription coverage.  

Gates Pharmacy in Elyria, OH, is your trustworthy, hometown pharmacy. Their pharmacists and technicians make your health and safety a priority, and they’ll take the time to answer questions about your medications, help you find the right medical supplies to manage your conditions, and make sure your prescription refill is fast and accurate. Call (440) 329-7300 to ask a question or transfer a prescription and leave a Yelp review if this is your favorite pharmacy.