How to Check If a Generic Medication Is Available for Your Prescription

Every year, millions of people in the U.S. pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than they need to for their prescriptions-just because they never asked if a cheaper, equally effective generic version was available. The truth? In most cases, there is one. And it’s not just a little cheaper. It’s often 90% less expensive. If you’re on a long-term medication, switching to a generic could save you over $1,000 a year. But how do you actually find out if a generic exists for your prescription? It’s not as complicated as you think.

What Exactly Is a Generic Medication?

A generic medication is the exact same drug as the brand-name version, just sold without the brand name. It has the same active ingredient, dosage, strength, and how it’s taken-whether it’s a pill, injection, or inhaler. The FDA requires generics to match the brand-name drug in how quickly and completely your body absorbs it. That’s called bioequivalence. For most drugs, that means the generic works just as well and is just as safe.

The big difference? Price. In 2022, the average retail cost of a brand-name drug was $765.09. The same drug as a generic? Just $15.23. That’s not a typo. Generics make up 90% of all prescriptions filled in the U.S., but they account for only about 23% of total drug spending. That’s because they’re so much cheaper.

Why Don’t All Drugs Have Generics?

Not every drug has a generic version yet. That’s usually because the brand-name company still holds a patent. Patents last 20 years from the date they’re filed, but with extensions and legal loopholes, some drugs stay protected for over 17 years. Once the patent expires, other companies can apply to make the generic. The FDA then reviews their data to make sure it’s safe and effective.

As of late 2023, about 96% of approved drugs have at least one generic version available. But around 10% still don’t-mostly newer drugs, complex biologics (like insulin or rheumatoid arthritis treatments), or those with tricky delivery systems like inhalers or topical creams. For those, even if a generic exists, it might not be approved yet-or it might be too expensive to produce.

How to Find Out If a Generic Is Available

There are four main ways to check if your prescription has a generic version. And they’re not all equal.

1. Ask Your Pharmacist (Fastest and Most Reliable)

Your pharmacist is your best first stop. They have real-time access to databases that tell them exactly which generics are approved, available, and covered by your insurance. In fact, a 2022 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found pharmacists correctly identify generic alternatives 98.7% of the time.

When you pick up your prescription, say: “Is there a therapeutically equivalent generic available for this?” Don’t just ask, “Do you have a generic?” That’s too vague. You want to know if it’s approved as interchangeable by the FDA.

Most major pharmacy chains-CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid-automatically flag generic options in their systems. If you’re on Medicare, your pharmacist will also check your plan’s formulary to make sure the generic is covered at a lower cost.

2. Use the FDA’s Drugs@FDA Database

If you want to check yourself, go to the FDA’s Drugs@FDA website. It’s free, official, and updated daily. Type in the brand name of your medication. Once you find it, scroll down to the “Therapeutic Equivalence Code.”

Look for an “AB” rating. That means the generic is considered fully interchangeable with the brand. An “A” rating means it’s approved but hasn’t been tested for interchangeability yet. “B” means it’s not considered equivalent-avoid those unless your doctor says otherwise. “BX” means the FDA doesn’t recommend substitution.

This method takes a few minutes longer than asking your pharmacist, but it gives you direct proof. A University of Florida study found first-time users can get the hang of it in 8-12 minutes.

3. Check Your Insurance Plan’s Formulary

If you’re on Medicare Part D or a private insurance plan, your plan decides which drugs are covered and at what cost. Many plans automatically switch you to a generic unless your doctor says not to. But sometimes they do it without telling you.

Log into your insurer’s website or use the Medicare Plan Finder (updated every October 15). Search for your brand-name drug. If a generic is listed under “preferred” or “tier 1,” it’s your cheapest option. If you see “brand-only” or “non-preferred,” ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic is available and covered.

4. Use Tools Like GoodRx or Medfinder

Apps like GoodRx are great for comparing prices. They show you how much a generic costs at different pharmacies near you. But here’s the catch: they don’t always tell you if the generic is therapeutically equivalent. You might see a low price for a drug that’s not approved for substitution.

Medfinder, launched in 2021, lets you search for medications and gets you results within 2-24 hours. But it costs $29.99 per search-and it doesn’t focus on generic equivalence. For most people, it’s overkill.

When Generics Might Not Be the Best Choice

For most drugs, generics are perfect. But there are exceptions. Some medications have a narrow therapeutic index-meaning even tiny differences in how your body absorbs them can cause problems.

Drugs like warfarin (a blood thinner), levothyroxine (for thyroid issues), and some anti-seizure medications fall into this category. In these cases, switching between different generic brands-even if they’re all FDA-approved-can sometimes cause side effects or make the drug less effective. A 2022 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 5-8% of patients on these drugs had issues after switching generics.

If you’re on one of these, talk to your doctor before switching. You might need to stick with one brand or one generic manufacturer. Your pharmacist can help you track which version you’re on.

What to Do If No Generic Is Available

Sometimes, there really isn’t a generic. That’s frustrating, but not hopeless.

First, check if the brand-name drug is on your insurance’s formulary at a lower tier. Sometimes the brand is cheaper than you think because of coupons or rebates.

Second, ask your doctor if there’s another drug in the same class that does have a generic. For example, if your brand-name statin is expensive, your doctor might switch you to atorvastatin or simvastatin-both generics that work the same way.

Third, look into patient assistance programs. Many drugmakers offer free or discounted brand-name drugs to people who qualify based on income. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPARX.org) can help you find these.

Common Mistakes People Make

Many people assume:

• “If it’s cheaper, it’s worse.” Nope. Generics must meet the same quality standards as brands.
• “My doctor wouldn’t prescribe a generic.” Many doctors do-but they assume you’ll ask.
• “My insurance already picked the cheapest option.” Not always. Some plans still default to brand-name drugs unless you specifically request a generic.
• “I don’t need to check every time.” If your prescription is renewed, the generic might have changed. Always confirm.

What’s Changing in 2024 and Beyond

The system is getting better. Starting January 1, 2024, Medicare Part D plans are required to show real-time generic availability through the Medicare Plan Finder. That means you’ll know upfront if a cheaper option exists before you even fill your prescription.

The FDA also launched a new simplified search tool in October 2023, designed for everyday users-not just doctors or pharmacists. It’s easier to use and shows clear “Yes/No” answers on whether a generic is available.

In 2024, Epic Systems (used by over 250 million patients) will start integrating FDA therapeutic equivalence data directly into electronic health records. That means your doctor might see a pop-up saying, “A generic version is available and approved for substitution,” right when they’re writing your prescription.

Final Tip: Make It a Habit

The easiest way to save money on prescriptions? Ask every time. Whether it’s a new script or a refill, say: “Is there a generic version of this that’s approved and covered by my plan?” It takes 10 seconds. And it could save you hundreds-or even thousands-over the year.

Don’t assume your pharmacist will automatically switch you. Don’t assume your insurance picked the best option. And don’t assume the brand-name version is better. Generics aren’t a compromise-they’re the standard.