Generic drugs: Are they safe? Published April 4, 2008 By David N. Tornberg, MD, MPH Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- All generic drugs in the United States must go through the Food and Drug Administration's rigorous approval process to make sure they are chemically identical to the brand-name drug. The truth is that generics give you the same medicine and the same results as their brand-name counterparts. Same medicine, same results. The FDA requires pharmaceutical companies prove that the generic drug contains the identical amount of the active ingredient and works the same way as the brand-name drug. The pharmaceutical company also must manufacture the generic drug under the same strict quality guidelines as a brand-name drug. Plus, the FDA scientists, chemists and microbiologists reviewing generic medicines must have the same qualifications as those reviewing the brand drugs. Sometimes the generic manufacturer may not be allowed to use the same color or shape because of patents protecting the brand drug. These are only cosmetic differences that in no way impact the safety or effectiveness of the generic version. Just as safe, but for a lot less Buying generic is completely safe and will save you money at the pharmacy counter. Generic drugs cost much less than the brand-name version. When you buy generic drugs, your copay is only $3-that's one-third of the $9 copay for brand-name drugs. I would like to encourage you to ask for the more affordable generic drugs when filling prescriptions at your local pharmacy. The Defense Department's long-practiced mandatory generic drug policy requires pharmacists to fill your prescriptions with a generic drug, if one is available. Tricare will fill prescriptions for brand-name drugs that have a generic equivalent if your prescribing physician establishes medical necessity for using the brand-name drug. If you have a prescription for a drug that has no generic equivalent, your pharmacist will give you the brand-name drug at the brand-name copay. Why are generics so cheap? Brand-name drug companies develop new drugs under patent protection, giving them the sole right to sell the drug. When the patent expires, generic drug companies may submit a shortened new-drug application to the FDA for approval to market an equivalent product under its chemical, or "generic," name. Under the shortened new-drug application process, the generic drug manufacturer does not have to repeat expensive research on ingredients or dosage forms that are already FDA-approved. This saves the pharmaceutical company time and money-and they pass the savings along to you. Tricare is committed to meeting your health care needs-and you can help us help you. By using generics, you will enjoy a safe and less expensive alternative to brand-name drugs. Buying generics saves you money today and helps Defense Department's save money, ensuring the future of the Tricare benefit.