A generic drug is a copy of a brand name drug with the same active ingredients. It is safe, and available at a lower price. The only difference between brand name drug and generic drug is color, or shape.
The Food and Drug Administration requires the same quality, strength, purity and stability in generic drugs as in brand names. If you have prescriptions fill, you know how expensive they are. Ask for generic drugs since they can save you a bundle.
Before deciding on these choices though, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor to determine your individual medical needs.
Here is a list of five common brand name drugs that you should consider switching to generic drugs.
Acid-reflux and heartburn treatment
If you are taking Prilosec oral for frequent heartburn, ask your doctor about Omeprazole. It could save you at least $130 per month.
Sleep Agents
Ambien CR can be supplemented by Zolpidem. You will save roughly around $100 per month.
Antidepressants
If you are on Prozac, talk to your doctor about Fluoxetine, or if you are on Paxil CR ask for Paroxetine, and if you are on Zoloft mention about Sertraline. The saving can be around $90 a month.
Non-sedating Antihistamines (NSAs)
Taking Allegra and Allegra-D, ask about Fexofenadine, and if you are on Clarinex, ask for Loratadine or Loratadine-D OTC, Your saving is about $70 a month.
Cholesterol-reducing Statins
Discuss this with your doctor if you are on Mevacor, ask him/her about Lovastatin, or if you are on Zocor for Simvastatin, and if you are on Pravachol for Pravastatin. You will have a saving of $90 per month.
The prices in this article are just estimation, and they depend on what drugstore you go to or where you live.
Prescription drugs are expensive to fill and knowing your options will save money and keep you healthy at the same time. Generic drugs come in place to help people with the high costs of brand names.
If you are currently on prescription medicine, you can go to US Food and Drug Administration to look up for approved generic brands. You can also search on WebMD.
Nevertheless, your practitioner should be informed and approved about these choices.
Well done.