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Generic Brand Drugs FAQ


Does anyone regulate generic drug manufacturers?  
Yes. The FDA requires that all generic drugs be safe and effective. Generic drugs must meet the same standards as the brand name medication. They must work the same way within the body as the brand name medication.


What are generic drugs?  
A generic version of a drug is an exact copy of a brand name drug in dosage, strength, how it is taken, quality and safety. All generic drugs must first be approved by the FDA that they meet these requirements.


Are generic drugs as strong as brand name drugs?  
Yes. The FDA requires that generic drugs must provide the same strength, purity and quality as brand name drugs.


Does every brand name drug have a generic equivalent?  
No. Brand name drugs are usually protected by a patent for 20 years. This protects the creator of the drug who researched and developed the drug.

Upon patent expiration, other drug companies can then introduce generic versions. The generic version must meet strict FDA standards to be approved.


Are generic drugs as safe as brand name drugs?
Yes. The FDA ensures this. While generic drugs will have the same side effect profile as brand name drugs, they must use the same active ingredients and be shown to work the same way within the body.


Why are generic medications less expensive?  
Generic manufacturers don't have the same development costs - research, development and marketing.

They are able to market the drug without the costs of development allowing them to sell for a significant discount. Additionally, there is usually competition among several generic manufacturers, which further drives costs down.


Does anyone regulate generic drug manufacturers?  
Yes. The FDA requires that all generic drugs be safe and effective. Generic drugs must meet the same standards as the brand name medication. They must work the same way within the body as the brand name medication.


Are generic drugs as strong and as safe as brand name drugs?  
Yes. Generic medications contain identical amounts of active ingredients to brand drugs and meet the same FDA standards in regards to strength, safety, purity, and quality of therapeutic results.

If generics meet all FDA standards, they are classified as "AB Rated" by the FDA. To be AB Rated, a generic drug must prove that it delivers the same amount of active ingredients into a patient's body, in the same amount of time, and provide the same therapeutic effect as the brand name medication. IPS dispenses only AB Rated generic equivalents to its patients.


Should I ask my doctor to approve a generic substitution whenever possible?
Your prescription benefit is provided to ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your individual condition, while managing cost for both you and your employer. An effective way to control costs is through the use of generic medicines.

A generic medicine is a copy that is identical to a brand name in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use. Since generics use the same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body they have the same risks and benefits as their brand name counterparts.

The Food & Drug Administration has quality standards for generic drug manufacturing and rates each generic medicine. All benefit plans cover generics.


Why did I receive a generic when my doctor prescribed a brand?
When your doctor wrote your prescription, he/she checked off the box “may substitute.” This means that we were able to fill your brand name medicine with the generic equivalent.

And, while you may have a concern about whether or not generics work as well as their brand name counterpart, there should be no concern about using a generic medicine.

A generic medicine will look different and have a different name than the brand name version medicine, but it undergoes the same detailed approval process by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts and work just as well as the brand name medicine. Generic drugs are less expensive, in part, because generic manufacturers do not have the same investment costs associated with the development of new drugs.

Remember, a generic medicine is a copy that is identical to a brand name in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use. They are always more cost-effective than brand name medicine. If your doctor specifies "Dispense as Written" on the prescription, the pharmacy will fill the prescription with the medicine as written. 


How do I find a generic alternative to my drug?
Drug Cost Look up results will show lower-priced alternatives, if available. Some drugs may not have a generic alternative. You may want to contact your physician to write a different prescription for the less costly medication.