About Generic Drugs
Generic Drugs and Your Prescription
Dispense as Written (DAW) Prescriptions
Question: What is a generic drug?
Answer: A generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use. For example, ibuprofen is the generic for both Motrin® and Advil®.
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Question:
Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Answer:
Yes. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all drugs be safe and effective. Since generics use the same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body, they have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
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Question:
What does "bioequivalent" mean?
Answer:
Bioequivalent means that a drug has equal availability in the human body to its brand name counterpart. Drugs that are bioequivalent are assumed by the FDA to be "therapeutically equivalent". This means that the drug has a clinical effect on the body equal to its brand name counterpart. A generic drug that is bioequivalent to the brand name is given an "A" rating by the FDA.
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Question:
Where can I find out more information about generic drugs?
Answer:
You can visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/index.htm for more information.
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Question:
Do all brand name drugs have a generic counterpart available?
Answer:
Many popular brand name drugs are available generically, but not all of them. All drugs are only available as a brand name when they first enter the market. When the drug's patent expires, other manufacturers may apply to the (FDA) to begin marketing a generic equivalent.
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Question:
Do I have to choose the generic alternative?
Answer:
Individual state laws determine whether generic substitution is required. For instance, in New York State, the law requires substitution of the brand with a generic if there is an A-rated generic available and your physician does not write Dispense as Written (DAW) on the prescription.
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Question:
How do I make sure that I always get a generic drug if one is available?
Answer:
Speak with your provider when he/she is prescribing your medication and ask them to write your prescription to allow you to receive a generic drug from your pharmacist, if one is available.
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Question:
What if my physician does not write the prescription so I can get a generic drug?
Answer:
While the use of generic drugs is encouraged to help you save money, you are not required to receive a generic drug. You will pay more for brand name drugs when there is a generic equivalent available.
- Generally, generic drugs are covered at your lowest tier copayment and brand name drugs that have a generic equivalent are covered at your highest tier copayment. If your physician feels that a brand name drug is the right choice for you, you will have a higher tier copayment.
- Some of MVP’s prescription benefits may require you to pay the difference in cost between the generic and the brand name drug plus your Tier 1 copayment if you receive a brand name drug when there is a generic equivalent available
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