Brand vs Generic Drugs

Symptoms of a Drug Prescription

Brand-name vs Generic Drugs

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Number 1:

Number 2:

Number 3:

Due to United States trademark laws, a generic drug is not allowed to look exactly the same as the brand-name drug.
The difference in appearance may make it difficult for both patient and the healthcare provider to accurately identify the drug.

Number 4:

The generic form of a drug most likely costs less than the brand-name drug.
Insurance companies may not cover the brand-name if the generic is available at a cheaper price.
Due to cost and insurance coverage, an individual may not have a choice in whether to take the brand-name or generic.

Number 5:

Manufacturing plants differ from brand-name and generic drug.
Multiple pharmaceutical companies may manufacture the generic drug. Therefore the inactive ingredients may differ among the generic form of the drug as well as the brand-name.

In summary:

A generic drug can be cheaper than a brand-name drug.
If you have sensitivities, make sure you check the inactive ingredients.
Try to be consistent when taking a prescription. Stay with either the brand-name or generic.
When taking a generic prescription, make sure the pharmacist fills it with the same manufacture.
Check to make sure the drug looks the same. If it doesn’t, it may be switched from a brand-name to a generic or a different generic.
Be aware of any reactions you may have due to a change in your prescription.