Three Things You Should Know About Generic Drugs
Date: 09/13/24
Many prescription medicines, or drugs, have two forms – “brand name” and “generic.” Companies who create a new drug may sell it under a short, catchy name. This is called the “brand” name. Only the company that owns the brand name has the right to use it and to make the drug for a certain amount of time. But when that time is up, other companies can also make the drug. They will sell it at a lower cost under a “generic” name.
Here are examples of common brand-name drugs and their generic forms:
| Brand name | Generic name | Treatment use |
|---|---|---|
| Amitiza® | lubiprostone | irritable bowel syndrome |
| EpiPen® | epinephrine | severe allergic reactions |
| Pradaxa® | dabigatran | blood clots |
| Symbicort® | budesonide/formoterol | asthma and breathing issues |
Knowing the following three things about generic drugs can help you next time you get a prescription filled or refilled.
- Generic drugs work the same and are just as safe as brand-name drugs.
It’s true! The brand-name and generic forms of a drug have the same active ingredient in the same amount. An “active ingredient” is the part of the drug that treats the illness or condition. Generic drugs also have the same quality, dosage, and strength.
So, whether you are using the generic or the brand-name, your drug works in the same way and provides the same clinical benefit. Plus, generic drugs are just as safe and made under the same quality standards. A generic drug may be different in color, flavor, size, or shape than the brand-name, but these differences don’t affect how well it works.
- Your pharmacy will fill your prescription with the generic drug whenever possible.
If you have any Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plan, you don’t need to ask for the generic drug. When you provider writes you a prescription for a drug, they might write in the brand name or the generic name. The pharmacist will automatically fill your prescription with the generic form of the drug if one is available. If a generic drug is not available, the pharmacy will give you the brand-name drug.
If you and your doctor feel you need the brand-name drug instead of the generic, your provider must write “Brand Necessary” on the prescription.
- Generic drugs cost less and may save you money.
If you have a copay for your prescriptions, your cost is likely to be less when you use a generic drug. That’s because brand-name drugs cost more, and your copay amount is based on the total cost of the drug. Lower cost of generic drugs means lower copays for you. Learn more about Medicaid copays for prescription drugs.
If you have any questions about which drugs you should be taking, talk with your health care providers first. They know you and your health history best. You can also talk with your pharmacist. Try to use one pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions. That way they can help to make sure your medications are safe to take together.
Need more help?
Prime Therapeutics State Government Solutions (Prime Therapeutics) manages pharmacy benefits for all Healthy Louisiana Medicaid health plans, including Louisiana Healthcare Connections. For any pharmacy-related issues or questions, call Prime Therapeutics' 24/7 Member Help Desk at 1-800-424-1664 (TTY: 711). They can also help you find an in-network pharmacy or you can find one online using Prime Therapeutics' Find a Pharmacy tool.