Why are some medications are offered in generic form and others are not?

Generic drugs are approved only after a rigorous review by FDA and after a set period of time that the brand product has been on the market exclusively. This is because new drugs, like other new products, are usually protected by patents that prohibit others from making and selling copies of the same drug.

Do doctors have to prescribe generic drugs?

Doctors should prescribe generic drugs over branded medications, say experts. In a new report, the American College of Physicians call for all doctors to prescribe generic medications over brand-name drugs, where possible, in order to improve treatment adherence and reduce health care spending.

Why did my doctor prescribe generic?

Generic drugs are a boon in health care. Typically lower in cost and as effective as their branded counterparts, they help control pharmacy spending and increase access to important therapies for patients who could be deterred by the high cost of some branded drugs.

Is there any difference between name brand and generic drugs?

While brand name drug refers to the name giving by the producing company, generic drug refers to a drug produced after the active ingredient of the brand name drug. Generic drugs will, however, be sold under different brand names, but will contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug.

Why are brand-name drugs more expensive than generic?

Brand-name drugs are typically more expensive because of the higher initial costs to develop, market, and sell a brand-new drug. For example, a generic drug must have the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug, but the FDA doesn’t require that it has the same inactive ingredients.

Should all doctors prescribe generic drugs?

In a new report, the American College of Physicians call for all doctors to prescribe generic medications over brand-name drugs, where possible, in order to improve treatment adherence and reduce health care spending. The ACP say all doctors should prescribe patients generic drugs rather than branded drugs, where possible.

Why do doctors still write prescriptions for brand-name drugs?

If you have insurance that covers pharmaceuticals, your copay will be lower with a generic than a brand-name drug, too. So when there’s a generic available, why do doctors still write prescriptions for the brand? One reason: You asked for it.

Why are generic drugs so underused?

They believe the underuse of generic drugs is likely fueled by patient concerns about their safety and efficacy, with many believing that because they are cheaper, they will be less effective.

Are generics cheaper than brand-name drugs these days?

Eight in 10 prescriptions are filled with generics rather than brand-name drugs these days. The generics are usually inexpensive. Think $4 for a month’s supply of the depression drug fluoxetine (or Prozac) at Wal-Mart.