Over the past ten years, generic drugs have become more safe and are now vital to controlling health care costs. Many of the most common drugs of the past two decades are now available as a generic. Health insurance plans and their members can save money by utilizing generic drugs. This designation means that the generic will provide drug concentrations in the blood equal to that of the brand name drug. Frequently, the original manufacturer of the brand drug also makes the generic form.
Pharmacists dispense generic drugs made by the top pharmaceutical producers in the country.
These firms, some of which make many brand drugs, are held to the highest of standards regarding chemical consistency, cleanliness, and record keeping. Generic drugs are no more likely to cause side effects than the brand name drugs. This has been proven time and time again. When you receive a prescription from your physician, ask if there is a generic version available. Always ask your pharmacist to make sure that you are receiving the generic version of a drug when one is available.