If you've ever picked up a prescription and noticed your medication looks different than before, you may have received a generic version instead of the brand-name drug. Many Medicare beneficiaries wonder whether generic medications work as well as brand-name medications. The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is yes. Understanding the difference can help you make informed decisions and potentially save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars each year.

A generic medication contains the same active ingredient as its brand-name counterpart. Before a generic drug can be approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires it to meet the same standards for:

• Safety
• Effectiveness
• Quality
• Strength
• Dosage form
• Route of administration

​Generic medications must work the same way in the body as the brand-name version..

Brand-name drug manufacturers invest years developing and testing new medications. During that time, they are protected by patents that prevent other companies from making the same drug. Once those patents expire, other manufacturers can produce generic versions. Because they don't have the same research and development costs, generic medications are usually available at a much lower price. Lower costs don't mean lower quality. They simply reflect lower development expenses and increased competition.

While the active ingredient is the same, generic medications may look different.

You may notice differences in:

• Color
• Shape
• Size
• Inactive ingredients (such as fillers or dyes)

​These differences generally do not affect how the medication works. If you have allergies or sensitivities to certain inactive ingredients, let your doctor or pharmacist know.

Although generics work well for most people, there are situations where your healthcare provider may recommend staying with a brand-name medication.

Examples include:

• Certain seizure medications
• Some thyroid medications
• Drugs with a very narrow therapeutic range
• When a patient has experienced problems after switching versions

​Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations before making any changes to your medications.

Here are a few simple ways to save money:

• Ask your doctor if a generic option is available.
• Use your plan's preferred pharmacy whenever possible.
• Review your medications each year during Medicare Annual Enrollment.
• Ask about a 90-day supply if appropriate.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed to help avoid unnecessary healthcare costs.

Many Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans encourage the use of generic medications because they often have lower copays than brand-name drugs. Choosing a generic medication when appropriate may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs while providing the same therapeutic benefit.



​​Never stop taking a medication or switch between brand-name and generic versions without speaking with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine which option is safest and most effective for your individual health needs.