As the prescribing of generic drugs has become more commonplace, most consumers have come to see that these medications work just as well as their pricier band-name equivalents. Indeed, when a generic alternative is available, MedBen clients see a 98% average substitution rate.
Yet there are still some who question if generics are truly as effective as their brand-name counterparts… to which we can respond with an unqualified “yes.”
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has stringent rules about generic drugs. As HealthDay notes, a generic must show “bioequivalence” for FDA approval – there can’t be a significant difference from the brand in the rate and amount of absorption of the drug.
In addition to containing the same active ingredients, a generic must be identical in strength and dosage and be manufactured under the same strict standards as a brand-name drug. Suffice it to say when given the choice, there’s no logical reason not to opt for the lower-cost generic.
Moreover, with MedBen Rx pharmacy solutions, clients save even more money on generic medications. Because we use the average cost index (ACI) rather than wholesale prices, what you pay for a generic accurately reflects what the pharmacist pays. And our formularies promote generic alternatives to your plan members.
Generics are a safe and effective alternative to brand-name drugs, and MedBen Rx can help your pharmacy plan benefit from their affordability. Learn more by contacting Vice President of Sales & Marketing Brian Fargus at 888-627-8683 or bfargus@medben.com.