Despite the name difference, generic and name-brand medications work in the same or similar way.
Generic medications are usually just as effective, but cost up to 85 percent less than name-brand alternatives. They go through all the same regulations and inspections that name-brand drugs do. You can trust that when you get the generic medication, you aren’t settling for less.
References
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.
Straka, R. J., et al. (2017). Potential clinical and economic impact of switching branded medications to generics. American Journal of Therapeutics.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Generic drugs: Questions & answers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Generic drug facts.
Why trust our experts?
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Alexandra Schwarz, MDDr. Schwarz is board eligible Sleep Medicine and board certified Family Medicine physician. She is a member of the AASM and ABFM.
