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SAV-RX EXPLAINS THE USE OF GENERIC DRUGS IN PRESCRIPTION THERAPY
Sav-Rx encourages all cardholders to use generic drugs whenever they are available and to recommend that patients ask their physicians to order generic drugs whenever appropriate. Using generic drugs is an important way that you can help to save money for yourself and your plan. This guide is intended to assist our patients most frequently asked questions regarding generic drugs.
What is a generic drug?
Generic drugs have been approved as safe and effective. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts as the brand-name product. The generic version works like the brand-name drug in dosage, strength, performance and use. Generics may differ in color, shape, size or flavoring from the brand-name product; however, these differences do not affect the performance, safety or effectiveness of the generic drug. When rated as equivalent and where permitted by law, a generic drug can be substituted for a brand-name drug.
What are the differences between brand-name and generic drugs?
When a company develops a new drug, the government provides a period of time where no other company may sell the drug to allow the original company to recover the investment in the research and development of the medication. This eliminates competition and causes the price to remain high. After this time has lapsed, other companies can manufacture generic versions of the brand medication. Since the production of generic medications does not require the large investments in research, development and advertising, the cost of the generics are significantly less than that of the brand-name medication.
How does the government ensure that my generic drug is as safe and effective as the brand-name drug?
Regardless of whether drugs are brand-name or generic, all medications must meet the same standards of quality. All generic drugs are put through a rigorous, multi-step process that includes review of the scientific data on the generic drug's ingredients and performance. The government also conducts periodic inspections of the manufacturing plant and monitors drug quality even after the generic drug has been approved. All drug manufacturing facilities must meet standards of good manufacturing practices. The goverment will not permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities.
What if I don't want to take a generic drug?
If it is important to you to have the brand-name drug, you should be aware that many plans require that you pay a higher copayment or the brand copayment plus the difference in price between the brand-name drug and the generic version.
Sav-Rx encourages all cardholders to use generic drugs whenever they are available.
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For Information contact Sav-Rx at 1-888-868-5889 or (905) 501-0315 |
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Sav-Rx Members
Pharmacy-Canada
275 Matheson Blvd. E.
Mississauga,ON L4Z 1X8
Phone
1 (905) 501-0315
1 (888) 868-5889
FAX
1 (905) 501-1871
Pharmacy Hours
9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Monday thru Friday
Privacy Policy
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