Consumers Respond to Availability of Generic Drugs
Get a Quote Find a Physician Site Search Go

Home > Resources & Tools
UnitedHealthcare.com Virtual Tour: Take our interactive virtual tour of UnitedHealthcare.com
 
Consumers Respond to Availability of Generic Drugs
Consumers are getting the message that generic drugs are as safe and effective as brand-name drugs, and can save them money.  In 2002, generic drug prescriptions comprised 45 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the United States, up 5% from the year prior.

Get quality for less

Generic drugs have the same active ingredients and quality standards as brand-name drugs and are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.The difference - generic alternatives cost an average of one-fifth of their brand-name counterparts.

 

Generic drugs improve access to treatments, offer greater affordability

 

In the past year, a large number of patents on popular brand name drugs expired, allowing makers of less costly generics to enter the market.  These newly available generic drugs - treating depression, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux and arthritis - have contributed to the rise in the number of generic drug prescriptions filled.