What is the difference between brand name and generic drugs?
A drug’s brand name is the name that appears in advertising. The name is protected by a patent so that only one company can produce it for a certain amount of time. After the patent expires, other companies may manufacture a generic that is just like the brand-name drug and follows FDA rules for safety. A generic is essentially a chemical copy of the brand-name drug. The color and shape of the tablet or capsule may be different, but the active ingredients are the same. Your prescription drug plan is a mandatory generic reimbursement plan and you will be charged the cost difference between the brand and the generic if you do not purchase the generic drug.
