subject: How Generic Drug Lists Can Help You Save Money? [print this page] A generic drug list essentially features a listing of drugs that have been approved by the FDA to be sold in the open market as a substitute for their branded counterparts. With the costs of branded drugs skyrocketing with each passing year, generic drugs come as a life saver for those coping with chronic ailments, lifestyle diseases or making a recovery from surgery. Since the medication requirements in such situations pans over a period of months and in some cases even years, it only makes sense to look forward to an alternative that allows you to stay healthy by keeping your condition under check and still not burn a hole through your pocket.
The pills and medicines featured on a generic drug list are made available to the general public only once all the research and development via clinical trials has been concluded on the original as well as any patents associated with the process have been expired. Since medications are put on the generic drug list after the completion of this process this takes care of two things. Firstly, it ensures that the drugs have been successfully proven in the market. Secondly, it also ensures that these drugs have already been advertised and duly promoted. These factors in turn make sure that the generic drug list is made available minus the added expense of R&D or promotions, thus dramatically bringing down the costs automatically.
Medications featured on a generic drug list are required by the FDA to have the same active salts or ingredients as their branded counterparts, so that they have the same effects as well as side effects as the branded version. This is a vital regulation since it saves consumers from any variations that may otherwise occur from switching over to a generic drug. Generic drugs mostly differ in terms of flavor, inactive ingredients and the kind of discoloration that occurs if they are not consumed within the prescribed time.
While the FDA comes out with a generic drug list periodically, you can also get your very own list from your insurance company or physician. Once you have the generic drug list in hand, you can not only benefit by the cost savings that they provide over branded versions, but further go ahead to save money by purchasing them online. With a prescription or generic drug list from your insurance company, you can easily place your order online to further benefit from the lower prices offered by foreign licensed pharmacies, which can offer you generic drugs at a discount of up to 80 percent.
