Generic or brand names?

The issue of brand name versus generic prescription medications has become a common topic of discussion. Health insurance and managed care plans provide incentives to patients and providers to use generics, which are less expensive.

When a new drug is first developed by a manufacturer and approved by the government, the maker of the brand name product has an exclusive patent on that drug for several years. After the patent ends, others may market their version of the drug with government approval. These are the generic products. In most cases, there is no evidence of any difference in quality. Generic drug manufacturers must follow the same FDA regulations for manufacturing, as do the brand name companies. In most cases, the generic drug provides the same therapy at a reduced cost.

However, there are a few instances when specific brand name products are preferred to generics. Usually, these are drugs where very precise control of dose is important, or the medication is in some way difficult to manufacture.

Examples of drugs for which brand name products may be preferred include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin) and
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)

The regulations that allow pharmacists to substitute a generic for a brand name product differ from state to state. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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