According to the Food and Drug Administration, generic drugs are the same as their brand-name equivalents in active ingredients, dosage, safety, strength, and performance, and are held to the same strict standards as their brand-name counterparts. The only noticeable difference between a generic drug and its brand-name counterpart may be the shape and/or color of the drug. While generic drugs are just as effective as the corresponding brand-name drugs, they typically cost up to 70 percent less, which helps control health care costs. This helps you in the long run because the generic option is always the lowest cost to you.

Even if your drug is not yet available in generic form, there may be a very similar generic drug that can be just as effective. If you are currently taking a brand-name medications, ask your doctor about if there is a generic equivalent drug that could treat your condition just as well. In most cases brand-name drugs are protected under a 10-17 year patent, and a generic equivalent cannot be made. During this period of time, manufacturers control pricing to make up for expensive research and development. In the interests of saving time, money and taking care of patients, most doctors will consider substituting a generic therapeutic alternative. A therapeutic similar is actually the generic match for the brand-name drug and that treats the same condition using a different ingredient. In most cases, these alternatives are just as effective.

First, make sure your doctor knows you have a new pharmacy program and that you get any of the 800+ generic medications for FREE. Then, ask “would one of these generic drugs be a good option for me, and could it treat my condition in the same way?” You can also ask what other brand­ name drugs that you are taking that could be replaced with generics options on this list. Remember, most medications Americans take are generic.