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The month of August is just around the corner. It marks the start of National Immunization Month – a yearly reminder of how important it is to get vaccinated. Continue reading
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For many people, choosing a brand-name over a generic drug has little to do with treatment or cost. It’s usually based on several common untruths. Though generic drugs can cost a lot less than brand-name options, there is often concern about quality, safety and effectiveness. Knowing the facts about brand vs. generic medications can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Just the Facts
1. What are generic drugs?
When a brand-name drug’s patent protection expires, generic versions of the drug can be approved for sale. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic drugs to be the same as brand-name drugs in:
2. Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. The FDA states that all drugs must work well and are safe. Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and work the same way. They also have the same risks and benefits as brand-name drugs.
3. Why do they look different?
United States trademark laws do not allow generic drugs to look exactly like brand-name drugs. This is why they are different in color, taste and other elements. It does not affect the way the drugs work.
4. Does every brand-name drug have a generic drug?
No. When companies make new drugs they have patents that protect them up to 17 years. Patents forbid anyone else from making and selling the drug. Once a patent expires, other drug companies can then start selling the generic version of the drug. They must test the drug and the FDA must approve it first before it goes to market.
5. Do generic drugs take longer to work?
No. Generic drugs will work in your body the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs.
6. Why are generic drugs less expensive?
Making drugs costs a lot of money. Since generic drug makers do not make a drug from scratch, the costs to bring it to market are much less. But they must prove their product performs the same way as the brand-name drug. All generic drugs are approved by the FDA.
7. What if the generic does not work?
Generics are approved by the FDA. They have the same active ingredients as the brand. It’s very rare to detect any difference between a brand drug and its generic version.
3 Fast Rx facts
Source: FDA
www.fda.gov
Please consult your Evidence of Coverage booklet for more information on your covered prescription drug benefits.
Note: This information is not intended as medical advice. Nor is it a substitute for professional medical care. Always ask your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding your medical condition. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
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For the past 50 years there has been a steep population increase in cities across the nation. Along with this urban transition there has been an increase in mental health conditions. Worry and depression is now 20 percent higher and more common among city dwellers.1 Mental fatigue and mood disorders have also gone up 40 percent.2 Continue reading
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As summer nears, it’s time to get the grill ready and stock up on the sunscreen! It’s also time to enjoy the benefits of living life tobacco free.
The Quit For Life® program can help. The program can help you conquer nicotine addiction for any type of tobacco use. Continue reading
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Improve your nutrition one meal at a time! Follow these healthy plate guidelines: Continue reading
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Every year, millions of people are affected by several types of mental health conditions.1 Since mental health is a much needed part of your overall health, we partnered with myStrength to give you free access to their online program.
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Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have become very popular. An e-cigarette is a product made to replace cigarettes. It often has three parts: Continue reading
Stressed? Most of us are in one way or another. Actually, a small amount of stress can serve a positive purpose. But after a while, stress can begin to break down your mind and body. Continue reading
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March 11-17 is National Sleep Awareness Week. On the surface, it may seem that sleep awareness is a mild condition. Why devote an entire week to it? But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1, there is a problem. More than a third of adults in the United States are sleep deprived on a regular basis.
How many times have you tried to make a healthy change as a new year’s resolution and not made it past the first two weeks – or even two days? Many times, the hardest part is keeping momentum after taking that first step.
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