What is a Generic Alternative?
September 4, 2011 in Health Tips, Money Tips, Prescription Drugs
Not every brand name medication has a generic available. However, many brand name drugs do have generic alternatives. Generic alternatives are drugs that are likely to be just as safe and effective as your brand name medication. The generic alternative is in the same class or group of medications as your brand name drug, but it has a generic form already approved. Several examples of generic alternatives for brand name medications are listed below. If you are taking one of the brand name medications below, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the generic alternative. The generic alternative would cost you the monthly cost of your generic copayment.
| Brand Name Drug(s) | Generic Alternative(s) | Use |
| Nexium®, Aciphex® | Generic Prilosec® (omeprazole), Prevacid® (lansoprazole), or Protonix® (pantoperazole) | Heartburn or GERD |
| Lipitor® (10, 20 or 40 mg), Vytorin®, Altoprev®, Lescol® | Generic Zocor® (simvastatin) or Pravachol® (pravastatin) | High cholesterol |
| Lunesta® | Generic Ambien® (zolpidem) | Insomnia |
| Atacand®, Benicar®, Diovan®, Micardis® | Generic Cozaar® (losartan) | Blood Pressure |
| Nasonex®, Beconase®, Nasacort®, Rhinocort® | Generic Flonase® (fluticasone) | Allergies |
| Actonel® | Generic Fosamax® (alendronate) | Osteoporosis |
Never stop taking your medication without first checking with your doctor. If you are taking one of these brand name medications and would like to reduce your cost, ask your doctor about a trial on one of the generic alternatives.
