A company that manufactures a Generic Drug has no patent on that drug and are merely mimicking what another company has accomplished. In most cases, using the generic is a smart decision. The medication may have a different appearance but must have the same active ingredients.

Consider this comparison. You may buy a store brand of peanut butter because the store brand is cheaper than those with the brand name labels. The store brand is an acceptable alternative to you and you see no difference in the products other than the label. The same is true of drugs. brand name drugs are more expensive than their generic alternatives and the appearance may be the only difference.

As a rule, your doctor will approve the use of generic medications whenever possible. Remember to ask that question before you leave the doctor. It’s especially important if you have no pharmacy insurance and are paying the entire amount yourself. Even with inurance, you’ll typically pay a smaller co-payment for the generic.

If your doctor does recommend the name brand, you have the right to override that decision but it’s probably best to defer to your physician’s suggestion. While active ingredients must be the same, the drug manufacturers may have some slight leeway with regard to inactive ingredients. It may be those “fillers” that prompted your doctor’s decision.