What Are Generic Medications and How Can I Save?

Since generic drugs have the same active ingredients and work the same way in the body, they carry the same risks and benefits of their brand name counterparts. Generic versions of FDA approved drugs meet the rigorous standards of identity, purity and potency, so one can take them with confidence. Though FDA regulations allow for up to 20% variation in the active ingredient of generic and brand-name drugs, in reality, the variation is much less, 6% or even less. There will always be some level of natural variability in the branded and generic drugs however it will not impact the effectiveness of the medication. As the chemical composition of the generic and branded drugs is the same, generic drugs are thought to be pretty safe to use.

Generic medications are cost effective because generic drug manufacturers are not required to test the drugs in clinical trials to ensure that the patients respond to them the same way as the branded drugs. In addition, competition between the branded drugs and multiple manufactures of generic drugs lowers the costs of generic medicines. When multiple generic companies market a single approved product, market competition typically results in prices about 85% less than the brand-name.

Generic drugs look different from brand name products because the laws in the US do not allow the generic medicines to look exactly like the brand-name products. Though the two versions have the same active ingredients, they may vary in flavorings and color that do not affect their performance, safety and effectiveness.

Brand name products are higher in cost and many people can’t afford the high cost of branded drugs. Generic medications cost less and have the same ingredients as the brand product.. In many states, pharmacies are required to provide the customers generic version of the medication unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor.

Generic drugs are heavily regulated by the FDA and there is no proof at this point that they are less effective or safe as the branded ones. Generic medications can be taken as a subsititute to their brand counterpart.

Generic manufacturers compete directly on price with brands. Generic drugs can help you save significantly on health care costs and improving access to healthcare.

EzRx Drug discount card has the highest savings on generic medications. The prices of generics can vary drastically between pharmacies. EzRx has negotiated lower rates with over 65,000 pharmacies to help consumers save on their prescriptions. Click here to check where your prescription is the cheapest.

To save money on your healthcare spends and get quality products at reasonable costs, always request generic medications. EzRx Discount Drug Card allows you to save significantly (up to 75% and  sometimes even more) on your generic medication purchase. There are no annual or lifetime limits, age limits, renewal charges, or upfront sign up costs.  Use the same card for all medications no enrollment is required. EzRx may be cheaper then your insurance.