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Enter a drug name above to compare brand vs. generic prices
We'll show you side-by-side prices at every major pharmacy and calculate your annual savings.
Annual Savings by Pharmacy
| Pharmacy | Generic/yr | Brand/yr | You Save/yr |
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🧮 Personalized Savings Calculator
Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Brand-Name?
Yes. The FDA requires generic drugs to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as their brand-name counterparts. They must also meet the same standards for quality, purity, and potency.
Generic drugs typically cost 80–85% less than brand-name drugs. The lower price reflects the fact that generic manufacturers don't bear the cost of drug discovery and clinical trials — not a difference in quality.
In some cases, your doctor may specify "dispense as written" (DAW) for a brand drug due to narrow therapeutic index or formulation differences. Always consult your pharmacist or physician before switching.
Disclaimer: This tool compares estimated prices only. Always verify current prices with your pharmacy. This is not medical advice — consult your healthcare provider before making any medication changes. See our full disclaimer.