Brand name vs. generic drugs

They’re the same: Generic drugs are exact copies of brand-name drugs and must meet all the same stringent FDA standards. Although they may look or taste different, the main reason brand-name drugs cost more than generics is due to expensive marketing.
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They save you money: Generic drugs are often 80 percent less expensive than brand-name medication. The next time you need a prescription, ask if a generic equivalent is available. Or, if your doctor does not specifically tell you to only take the brand-name drug, ask your pharmacist to fill your prescription with the generic version, if one is available. Remember, choosing generics results in substantial savings.