If you have ever picked up a prescription drug at a pharmacy, you were likely asked if you wanted the pharmacist to fill the prescription with the generic version or name-brand version. You know there are cost-savings but what about the effectiveness of the generic version? Is it really the same medication? Will it work in the same way as the brand-name medication?
Generic medications contain the same active ingredient—the actual medication itself—and are formulated to work in the same exact way as the brand-name versions. The difference between the two can sometimes lie in the inactive ingredients, such as fillers, dyes and preservatives. Sometimes these inactive ingredients can affect people with allergies, which is when the difference between generic and brand name matters.
Generic medications cost less because manufacturers do not have to repeat the research and clinical trials, which can be very costly, that were performed by the brand-name manufacturer. Lower production costs are passed on to consumers in the form of a less expensive version the brand-name medication. To be clear, though, generic medications must be proven to be the bio-equivalent of the brand-name medication to yield the same effectiveness and they are also held to the same safety and quality standards as brand-name drugs. They may look different in shape, size, and/or color than the brand-name version or even from generic manufacturer to manufacturer, but they are held to the same standards.
If you have an allergy to fillers, dyes or preservatives, speak with your pharmacist about whether it’s safe for you to take a generic medication. Otherwise, take advantage of the cost savings afforded to you through the generic option.
Our pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, can answer the questions you may have by calling 1-800-626-3046.
To learn more about your benefit coverage through CVS Caremark, go to https://www.caremark.com or visit www.ewtf.org/health-benefits-spd/prescription-drug-benefits/ to review your summary plan description.
Know Before You Fill
Go to the Prescription Benefit Chart at https://www.ewtf.org/health-benefits-spd/schedule-of-benefits/#Prescription-Drug-Benefits-Chart