Prescriptions

The Generic versus Brand Drugs Debate

A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients, the same strength and dosage form as the brand-name product. (The difference is in the name of the drug which costs $4.8 billion dollars per year in Direct to Consumer advertising. This does not include the physician and ancillary health provider advertising).
The FDA requires generics to have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as the brand names. (The manufacturing process of all drugs, brands and generics, are strictly regulated by the U.S. government and the same standards have to be met by generic and brand manufacturers. The Food and Drug Administration inspects drug manufacturers and recalls any marketed products that do not meet production standards).
A generic drug has identical active ingredients and delivers the same amount of drug into the bloodstream as the brand drug. (Drugs are measured and rated based on their bioequivalence and performance standards set by the U.S. government. Since 1984 no generic drug has been approved in the U.S. unless it has been shown to have the same rate and amount of active drug absorbed as the brand-name drug. Drugs prior to 1984 are DESI drugs).
A generic drug is as safe and effective for patients of all ages as the brand-name drug. (As a group, generic drugs have no proven age-related side effects that are different from the brand-name drugs. Generics have been shown to be as safe as brand-name drugs and work no differently in children or the elderly).

There are only 3 little words you need to remember, "Use generic drugs."

If you need further information about prescription drugs, please call Member Services at 602-824-3700 or 1-800-747-7997.