Caregiver Series on Cost Savings:  Generic Medications

Facts to Know and Understand

This month we will begin a series of posts that will help you understand a little more about your prescription medications and how you and your family can save money.

Do you ever ask yourself, “Why do my prescription medications cost so much? Is there a cheaper way I can buy my medications for myself and my family?” “I hear a lot about generics, but what does that mean?”

Are you trying to save money and cut costs? You’re not alone.

The CDC reports 9 million Americans are not taking their medications as prescribed because of cost and use cost-savings measures to include skipping doses, taking less medication, or delaying filling a prescription. These measures can be a detriment to your health and well-being.

This month we are discussing generic drugs and how our Visory Health Community can use the Visory Prescription Discount Card to save money on your prescription medications. You can even save on your pet’s medications.

What are Generic Medications and Are They As Safe and Effective?

Generic medications are the same high-quality medications as their brand-named prescription versions. You might be wondering if generic medication is safe or as effective as your name-brand prescriptions.

• Generic drugs go through a rigorous review process to receive the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
• The FDA ensures a generic medication provides the same clinical benefit and is as safe and effective as the brand-name medicine that is duplicates.
• Generic and brand-name medications have the same:
  • Active Ingredients
  • Safety
  • Effectiveness
  • Strength
  • Quality
  • Benefits
• Generic drugs may look different in size, shape, and color, but they are safe and effective.
• The FDA ensures a generic medication provides the same clinical benefit and is as safe and effective as the brand-name medicine that is duplicates.
• Generic medications generally cost a lot less money than their brand-name counterparts.
• Generic medications do not have to repeat animal and clinical studies that were required of the brand-name medicines to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.
• When multiple generic companies market the same product, market competition typically results in prices about 85% less than the brand name.

What does this mean to me?

Check with your healthcare professional to see if generic medications are right for you.

Use the free Visory Health Discount Prescription card to save money on your prescription drugs, including generic medications.

At Visory Health, we see you and we hear you! We want to help our Visory Health Community be informed consumers and save money on prescription medications.

Save money, stay healthy, Stay Visory Health!

To Your Health,

Dr. Creamer

DNP, MSN, MSS, MA

Learn more about generic drugs: www.FDA.gov/GenericDrugs

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.