Rationale and Comments

On average, the cost of a generic drug is 80–85% lower than the brand-name product, although generic drugs are required to have the same active ingredients and strength, and similar effectiveness as brand-name drugs. Studies estimate that for every 10% increase in the use of generic cholesterol drugs, Medicare costs could be reduced by $1 billion annually.

Sponsoring Organizations

• American College of Preventive Medicine

Sources

• Expert consensus

Disciplines

• Preventive Medicine

References

• Hoadley JF, Merrell K, Hargrave E, Summer L. In Medicare Part D plans, low or zero copays and other features to encourage the use of generic statins work, could save billions. Health Affairs (Millwood). 2012;31(10):2266-75.
  
• Mohler, PJ. New drugs: how to decide which ones to prescribe. Fam Pract Manag. 2006;13(6):33-5
  
• Shrank WH, Hoang T, Ettner SL, Glassman PA, Nair K, DeLapp D, Dirstine J, Avorn J, Asch SM. The implications of choice: prescribing generic or preferred pharmaceuticals improves medication adherence for chronic conditions. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(3):332-7.
  
• Facts about generic drugs [Internet]. Silver Spring, MD: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2012 [updated 2012 Sep 19; cited 2014 Dec 5].Available from: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingGenericDrugs/ucm167991.htm.