What are the benefits of using a generic drug?
A generic drug is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is therapeutically equivalent to its brand-name equivalent. To win FDA approval, the generic drug must contain the same amounts of the same active ingredients as its brand-name equivalent. A generic drug typically is less expensive and is sold under a generic name for that drug (usually its chemical name). Because generic drugs are less expensive than their brand-name equivalent, your copayment usually is less, as well.
Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs . A generic drug is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is therapeutically equivalent to its brand-name equivalent. To win FDA approval, the generic drug must contain the same amounts of the same active ingredients as its brand-name equivalent. A generic drug typically is less expensive and is sold under a generic name for that drug (usually its chemical name). Because generic drugs are less expensive than their brand-name equivalent, your copayment usually is less, as well.
