If your child is prescribed a medication, you may find that the pharmacy provides a lower-cost generic option instead of a brand-name drug. This can raise questions for many parents, such as whether the medicine is the same, why it may look different and how insurance coverage can affect the price.
Here are answers to common questions you may have about generic medications for children.
What are generic drugs?
Generic drugs are usually lower cost alternatives to brand-name medications. They contain the same active ingredient, come in the same dosage form and work in the same way as their brand-name counterparts.
Generic vs. brand‑name medicines: How do they compare?
Generic medications may be a different size, color or shape, since some of the inactive, non-drug ingredients (such as flavoring or coloring) may vary. Some generic drugs are even made by the brand-name manufacturer, but they are just sold at a lower price. Most generic drugs are made by other manufacturers that have received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to produce and sell the generic alternative.
A generic drug is identical to a brand-name drug in the following ways:
- Dosage form, such as tablet, capsule, liquid
- Strength
- Route of administration (how the medicine is taken), such as by mouth or inhaled
- Safety
- Quality
- The way it works
- Intended use
Why are generic drugs important?
The availability of generic drugs helps increase competition and lowers the cost of medications. Use of generic drugs may reduce your prescription
insurance co-payment. Ask your pediatrician whether a generic alternative is available for your child's medication and if it is an appropriate alternative.
Why do brand-name drugs cost more?
Companies that produce brand-name medications invest money in the research, development and marketing of new drugs. They price these drugs higher to recover some of these costs. New drugs are protected by patents from being produced in a generic form by other companies.
When the patents or other timeframe for exclusive use on a brand-name drug expire, other companies may apply to the FDA to sell a generic version. Since generic drug makers do not develop a drug from scratch, their costs to bring the drug to market are less; therefore, generic drugs are usually less expensive than brand-name drugs.
What is the FDA approval process for generic drugs?
All drugs, both brand and generic, approved by the FDA are required to meet the same high standards for quality, strength, purity and stability. Competing drug manufacturers may submit an application to sell a generic version of a brand-name drug when the patent or other timeframe for exclusive use on a brand-name drug expires.
The FDA must review and approve the generic drug application before the drug is made available to the public. The generic manufacturing, packaging and testing sites must pass the same quality standards as those of brand-name drugs
What does "preferred drug" in my insurance formulary?
Preferred drugs are those that are covered by your
insurance company and do not need your pediatrician to ask the insurance company for special authorization. If your pediatrician prescribes a non-preferred drug, they will need to contact your prescription insurance provider to get approval for the drug to be covered.
Are generic drugs as effective as brand-name drugs?
Yes. A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, quality, the way it works, the way it is taken and the way it should be used.
What if my child is allergic to a generic drug?
Since brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredient, it is very likely that if you are
allergic to the brand-name drug, you will also be allergic to the generic drug and vice-versa.
Although the active drug in both brand-name and generic drugs is the same, there may be different inactive ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction or other side effect to either the brand-name or generic drug. In these situations, your child may need to take an alternate drug.
Your insurance should cover this situation, but your provider may need to contact the insurance company or give the pharmacy special instructions to allow coverage.
How do I know if I am receiving a generic drug from my pharmacy?
Pharmacies typically substitute a generic drug for a brand-name drug unless state law does not allow it. You can always clarify if your child is receiving a generic or brand-name drug.
If your pediatrician writes "dispense as written" on your prescription, then your pharmacy cannot dispense a generic drug for your child. Your pediatrician may do this if they feel that the generic drug is not right for your child. Be aware that this change could result in a higher cost and copayment for your child's prescription, or could require your provider to contact the insurance company to get special approval for a specific brand of drug.
Is there a generic version of every brand-name drug?
No, not every brand-name drug has a generic equivalent. When new drugs are first marketed they have drug patents. The patent, which protects the company that made the drug first, doesn't allow anyone else to make and sell the drug. When the patent expires, other drug companies can start selling a generic version of the drug. But, first, they must test the drug and the FDA must approve it.
Talk with your pediatrician
Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your pediatrician. They will help determine whether a generic medication is appropriate for your child.
More information