Generic or Name-Brand Drugs: What's Best For You?
Generic drugs have become increasingly
prominent in today's medical market. At a small fraction of the
original cost, you can invest in generic drugs as opposed to brand-name
drugs, saving you money and providing medication to your loved ones.
Generic drugs are simply alternative medications to a brand-name
version, and they possess the same strength, effectiveness, quality,
and safety as brand-name versions. Pharmacies carry both the generic
and the brand-name versions of medicine, so talk to your doctor and see
what's best for you.
Very minimal differences exist between brand-name and generic drugs.
The best benefit and first difference between the two is the huge cost
difference. Many families have a hard time paying for medications they
need, especially if a loved one suffers from a chronic disease. The
huge price difference between generic and brand-name drugs has been a
huge relief for these families.
For $9 I get my three month supply of
medicine, as opposed to a much higher cost. Being able to buy more
affordable versions of prescription drugs has provided families with
medications they need, however, a generic form may not be available for
some brand-name medications yet. Once a brand-name drug has fulfilled
it's allotted patent time, a generic is able to be manufactured.
Generics are only cheaper because all the research and production costs
for creating the drug have already been paid for by the brand-name drug
company. A lower price does not at all mean reduced quality or
effectiveness. Very small differences exist between generic and
brand-name drugs. Besides the cost, they may look a little different.
Generic drugs are not allowed to look like their name-brand
counterpart, and a little difference and size or color may minutely
effect the release time of your medication.
However, these differences
do not at all change or alter your medicine's strength or
effectiveness. By law, generic medications are required to have the
exact same chemical compound in them which comprises the active
ingredient. If you experience any differences while taking a generic
drug, talk to your health care provider and talk about what may be the
best decision for you.
It is a little-known fact that many brand-name medications may actually
be cheaper with the aid of an insurance company. By talking to medicine
providers and negotiating for their consumers, insurance agencies may
be able to get you a brand-name medication for even cheaper than a
generic version. Talk to your doctor and see if switching to a generic
is best for you, then call your insurance provider and see which
version can save you money.
Many families struggle to afford prescription medications for their
families. Generic drugs have been a huge relief for these families, and
more and more come out on the market every year. Talk with your doctor
and see if there is a generic version available for you or look online
and check. By switching to a $4 generic you can save a lot of
money and be able to provide the medication you and your family needs.
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