How to Ask Your Doctor for a Generic Medication

A generic medication is a drug that contains the same active ingredient, in the same strength, as a brand-name version. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generics to work the same way as the brand-name product. The only difference is the price. Generics often cost 80 to 85 percent less than the brand-name drug. Switching from a brand-name medication to a generic, when one is available, is one of the easiest ways to lower your prescription bills.

Most daily medications have a generic version. For example, Lipitor has a generic called atorvastatin. Synthroid has a generic called levothyroxine. Prilosec has a generic called omeprazole. The generic name is usually printed in small letters under the brand name on your prescription bottle. If you only see one name, ask your pharmacist whether a generic exists.

Doctors are used to this conversation. And they will not be offended. In fact, many doctors automatically write prescriptions as generic when they know one is available. If your prescription says brand-name, it may be because your doctor was not thinking about cost or because they prefer that brand for a specific medical reason. Either way, you have the right to ask. The conversation takes less than a minute and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

There are a few cases where the brand-name medication is the better choice. Some thyroid patients, seizure patients, and blood thinner patients respond better to one specific brand. If your doctor says they want you to stay on the brand-name version, ask why. They will explain the medical reason. For most other medications, the generic works just as well, and your insurance plan will likely have a lower copay for it. Always check the price of both before deciding.