Brand vs. Generic Oral Contraceptives

When a company receives a patent for a new drug, the government allows the manufacturer to develop and market the drug for 20 years without competition. Sometimes multiple patents can extend this period. When the patents expire, the drug becomes "generic" and other companies are then free to manufacture and market the generic drug.

Yes, although the generic drug may look different, the drug is required to duplicate all the important aspects of the brand-name drug, including the active ingredients, dosage levels, the way it's taken, and the time required for the ingredients to be absorbed by the body.

Both generic and original brand-name drugs are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA reviews tests of all generic drugs to be sure they are "bioequivalent/therapeutically equivalent" to the original products. They look at such things as chemistry, formulation, potency, stability and purity. The FDA's approval means the generic product is recognized as equal to, and interchangeable with, the original drug. Your pharmacist provides only products that have been approved by the FDA.

Generic drugs cost less money. On the average, most generics are about half the price of the brand-name drug; some generics may cost up to 60% less than the brand-name version.

Creating a new drug and bringing it to market requires a huge upfront investment in research, development, testing and initial approvals. During the 20-year patent period, the originator of the drug has an opportunity to recover these costs in the purchase price.

By the time a generic drug comes on the market, the initial cost has usually been covered. There's no reason to pass these costs along to the patient. Plus, competition in the generic marketplace helps keep costs low.

While 20-year patents cover what's in the drug, the appearance is covered by trademarks. Under trademark law, the name, color and "look" of the original drug can't be used by another company.

Most doctors are happy to prescribe generics to help their patients save money. But doctors are busy. Sometimes they need to be reminded. In many states, it's perfectly legal for pharmacists to substitute generic drugs even if the doctor has written down the original brand name. And of course, in any state, the pharmacist is always free to call the doctor's office for approval to substitute a generic for a brand name. For the patient, sometimes it pays to take the lead in requesting money-saving generic products.

Very common. Generic drugs are so popular that they now make up nearly half the 2.4 billion prescriptions written in the country every year. Many prescription plans and other programs require that generic drugs be used to save costs.

Your pharmacist should be completely up-to-date on the availability and advantages of generic drugs. Just ask. Good communication is an important part of healthcare - and it can save you money.