Although generic alternatives to brand names have been around for more than thirty years, there are still many common misconceptions about whether to purchase the name brand drug or the cheaper generic alternative. Before you decide which route is for you, here is some information that you should take into consideration.

One common misconception is that generics are less potent or effective as there brand name counterpart. The FDA decrees that all generic drugs must be the exact bioequivalent of the original drug. This means that the generic must meet the same criteria in the categories of potency and dosage, so that taking the generic drug will be as effective as the name brand. Even though the brand name and the generic must have the same main components that does not mean that they are identical. The active ingredients may be the same, but the filler content may be different. Although it is not common, you may react differently to a brand name drug than you do to a generic or vice versa. Also, since generic drugs are not thought of as new drugs they are not required to hold safety tests or studies on the drug before it is released on the market.

Even though there may not be a difference in the effectiveness of a brand name drug versus a generic, more often than not there is a price difference. Almost always the generic alternative will be cheaper than the brand name, but that doesn't mean it will be the cheapest for you. Before choosing a brand name or generic drug there are a couple of factors that will play into how much you will end up paying.

?Insurance- Check to see which drugs your insurance (if you have it) will cover. If the first drug you pick whether it is brand name or alternative is not covered by your insurance, sometimes the other version is.

?Medicare or Medicaid- If you have Medicare or Medicaid, the drugs you have to choose from are very specific to the condition you have. If the drug you need isn't on the list they offer, you may have to pay a higher portion of the co-pay or pay for the entire cost yourself. If this is the case generics will definitely be a cheaper route.

Whether you decide to go with a brand name or a generic one thing is for sure, you can be prescribed the best drug in the world but if you can't find it or afford it, it won't do you any good. If you need to find your prescriptions at lower costs look on the internet. There are great websites like epharmacies.com that will find you the cheapest price on your medications from the most reliable pharmacies. Visit this Consumer Advocacy website for more information on ordering <---****HYPERLINK****--->?http://www.epharmacies.com?>online prescriptions.