How to Find Out If Medication Is Generic?

Many prescriptions are available in generic versions, which are usually cheaper alternatives to brand name drugs. Although these medications are just as effective as the brand name, it is always wise to know exactly what you are taking. In many cases, generic drugs can be financially appealing versions of brand name medication with equal efficacy.There are many resources for finding out whether your prescriptions are generic versions, ranging from your physician to the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription label
• Description of prescription
• Internet Access

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor whether the prescribed medication is a brand-name or a generic equivalent. Recent news reports showed that many insurance companies are now asking physicians to prescribe generics, as a money saving strategy. While drug companies have encouraged doctors to prescribe their brands, most physicians should give the generic upon request, as long as it is therapeutically effective.

• 2

  Request that your pharmacist give you the generic version of your drug, if possible. According to Dr. Melissa Stoppler, a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist, generic drugs are chemically exact copies of their brand name equivalent, and are often much cheaper. If your physician has not specified a brand name on the prescription, your pharmacist may have the prerogative to give you the generic version, if you prefer.

• 3

  If your prescription has already been filled, look for the name of the drug on the label. A generic version will usually list the specific drug, not the brand. For example, the generic version of the brand name drug Ritalin will be listed as methylphenidate. A simple Internet search should show what the name means, but you should call your doctor if necessary for clarification. The FDA warns that all drugs without a brand name are not automatically generics, so it may take additional investigation in these cases.
  If you do not have access to a computer, visit your nearest public library and ask for assistance in locating a book called "PDR" ("Physicians' Desk Reference"), which includes both photos and descriptions of prescription medications.

• 4

  Almost all medications in pill or tablet form have distinct markings, shapes, colors, and imprints on them that help in identification. There are many websites that can identify a pill based simply on these traits, including RxList.com, which provide simple tools for pill identification. These tools will specify whether the drug is a brand name or generic.