Maximize Your Benefits

They're just as effective as brand-name drugs 

Prescription drugs can be brand-name or generic. Why pay more for a name?

Generic drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective for your use. They might look a little different and cost a little less, but can be just as good for treating your condition!

In fact, they're the same as their brand-name counterparts:

• Same active ingredient
• Same dose
• Same form

Feel like lowering your copays? 

Take a minute to check with your doctor.

Most health benefits and health insurance plans offer a lower copay for generic drugs. Here's an example of what one Aetna member can save on generics, according to her plan design:

A 30-day supply of Ambien^TM 10mg is $158. The same supply of the generic drug is $16. She saves $142!

So talk to your doctor and consider generic drugs when appropriate.

How to go generic 

You may be ready to make the switch, but sometimes a generic version is not yet available for certain brand-name drugs. If your doctor writes "dispense as written" on a prescription, then your pharmacist must give you the exact drug as stated — typically the brand name.

But, if your doctor does not make that note, your pharmacist may be able to switch you to a generic as soon as one is available. Don't be afraid to ask!

Visit the FDA website. You'll find the latest list of approved generic drugs.

You asked, we answered 

Q: What are generic drugs?
A: Generic drugs are the same as branded drugs. They are alike in dose, safety, strength, way they are administered, quality, performance and intended use. Even so, they are usually much less expensive than branded drugs.

Q: What are the differences between generic and brand-name drugs?
A: Just the price and the name. Generic drugs are often called by their chemical names.

Q: If branded and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
A: In the United States, trademark laws don't allow generic drugs to look exactly like brand-name drugs. But they must have the same active ingredients.

Q: Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
A: Yes. The FDA requires that all drugs be safe and effective. Generic drugs have the same benefits and risks as their branded counterparts.

Q: Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
A: Absolutely! The FDA requires both to have the same strength, quality, purity and stability.

Q: Why are generic drugs less expensive?
A: Generics cost less because their manufacturers don't have the high marketing and upfront investment costs that developers of new drugs have. Also, competition between drug manufacturers helps keep prices lower.

Q: Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
A: No. Only about half of the brand-name drugs on the market today have a generic counterpart. Some drugs are protected by patents and are made by only one company.