Category: Pharmaceuticals - Page 2
Direct-to-Consumer Generic Pharmacies: How Much You Really Save vs. Insurance
DTC pharmacies can save you hundreds on expensive generic drugs - but only if you know which ones to buy where. For common meds, insurance often wins. Here’s how to navigate the maze and actually save money.
Pharmacy Errors with Generics: How to Prevent and Fix Common Mistakes
Generic medications make up 90% of prescriptions but carry hidden risks that lead to common pharmacy errors. Learn how dosage confusion, manufacturer changes, and poor labeling put patients at risk-and what pharmacists can do to prevent and fix these mistakes today.
Medical Education on Generics: Do Doctors Learn Drug Equivalence?
Doctors prescribe generics for 90% of medications, but most weren't taught how bioequivalence works. This article breaks down why knowledge gaps persist, what actually changes prescribing habits, and how medical education can finally catch up.
Hatch-Waxman Act: How It Shaped Generic Drug Access in the U.S.
The Hatch-Waxman Act created the modern system for generic drug approval in the U.S., balancing innovation and affordability. It cut drug costs by billions while enabling faster generic entry-though patent abuses now threaten its effectiveness.
Switching from Brand to Authorized Generic: Practical Tips for Saving Money Without Compromising Care
Switching from a brand-name drug to an authorized generic saves money without sacrificing effectiveness. Learn how to confirm you're getting the real thing, what to expect, and how to navigate insurance and pharmacy changes.
Effective Patent Life: Why Market Exclusivity in Pharmaceuticals Is Shorter Than You Think
Effective patent life in pharmaceuticals is often just 10-13 years, not 20, due to lengthy drug development and regulatory delays. Secondary patents and exclusivities extend monopolies beyond legal limits.
Best Reliable Online Resources for Generic Drug Information
Find trustworthy, free online resources for accurate generic drug information, including DailyMed, MedlinePlus, Drugs.com, and the FDA Orange Book. Learn how patients and professionals use them safely.
Understanding Generic Names vs. Brand Names on Rx Labels
Learn how to read your prescription label to tell the difference between generic and brand-name drugs. Discover why generics cost up to 90% less but work the same way - backed by FDA science and real-world data.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: What Patients Really Pay for Generic vs Brand-Name Drugs
Generic drugs usually cost 80-85% less than brand-name drugs, but out-of-pocket costs can vary wildly based on insurance. Medicare Part D patients sometimes pay more for generics due to coverage gap rules. Learn how to save on prescriptions.
When Do Drug Patents Expire? Understanding the 20-Year Term and Real-World Timelines
Drug patents last 20 years from filing, but most drugs have only 7-12 years of market exclusivity due to lengthy approval processes. Patent extensions, regulatory exclusivities, and litigation shape when generics can enter.