Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Generic Drugs

About Generic Drugs

• What is a generic drug?
• Are generic drugs safe?
• What does "bioequivalent" mean?

Generic Drugs and Your Prescription

• Do all brand name drugs have a generic counterpart available?
• Do I have to choose the generic alternative?
• How do I make sure that I always get a generic drug if one is available?

Dispense as Written (DAW) Prescriptions

• What if my physician does write DAW?

Question:
What is a generic drug?

Answer:
All drugs have a generic name. For example, ibuprofen is the generic name for both Motrin® and Advil®.

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 Question:
Are generic drugs safe?

Answer:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers all generic drugs to be as safe as their brand name counterpart. In addition to approval, all generic products go through stringent testing and are rated by the FDA. A generic drug that is bioequivalent to the brand name is given an "A" rating by the FDA.

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Question:
What does "bioequivalent" mean?

Answer:
Bioequivalent means that a drug has equal availability in the human body to its brand name counterpart. Drugs that are bioequivalent are assumed by the FDA to be "therapeutically equivalent". This means that the drug has a clinical effect on the body equal to its brand name counterpart.

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Question:
Do all brand name drugs have a generic counterpart available?

Answer:
Most drugs are only available as a brand name when they first reach the market. When the drug's patent expires, other manufacturers will apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make the product under the generic name. The Generic MAC Program applies when there are generic substitutes for the brand available in the market.

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Question:
Do I have to choose the generic alternative?

Answer:
New York State law requires substitution of the brand with a generic if there is an A-rated generic available and your physician does not write Dispense as Written (DAW) on the prescription.

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Question:
How do I make sure that I always get a generic drug if one is available?

Answer:
You can be assured of receiving a generic drug in New York State if your physician does not write DAW on your prescription.

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Question:
What if my physician does write DAW?

Answer:
While the use of A-rated, bioequivalent generic drugs is encouraged to help you stretch your pharmacy dollar further, you are not required to receive the generic drug. Under the Generic MAC program, if your physician writes DAW, you will receive the brand name drug, but will be responsible for the difference in cost between the generic and the brand name drug plus your copayment.

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