Generic drugs online

Source: eMaxHealth

Date: 15-Jul-2010

Author: Heather Sedlock

BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma has released a statement reminding its clients that generic drugs can contribute to lowering the overall costs of health insurance, especially for patients.

Generic drugs are prescription drugs that can treat everything brand name drugs can. They have the same active drugs, at the same strength and in the same doses. What is the difference then? The patent name only. When those patents expire, generic drugs can be developed. On average, there is a 50 dollar price difference, a considerable savings for consumers.

The drug companies spend 27 percent more on advertising and marketing brand name drugs and only about 11 percent into research and development. So, the company needs to recover its costs and make a profit on the brand name. That is passed on to consumers and the companies that help cover prescription costs - your health insurance.

There are two different types of generic medication: generic equivalent and generic alternative. The generic equivalent is just that: a matching generic drug with the same ingredients and FDA approval. A generic alternative may be different ingredients but can be used to treat the problems the brand name drug does too. It's important to discuss your options with your doctor.

You might also reduce your overall prescription drug costs by asking your doctor or pharmacist if there are over-the-counter (OTC) versions for your prescription drugs. Many commonly used drugs are now available OTC.

As reported yesterday, the federal government has outlined its new requirements for health insurance companies which will offer free preventive medicine to patients, and covering high-risk patients. These moves will further lower the cost of health insurance to the consumer.