UPMC Health Plan: Health & Wellness
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Popular drugs now available as generics


Generic drugs are cost-effective alternatives that offer the same level of safety and quality as their brand-name equivalents. Both a brand-name drug and its generic counterpart are produced under the same guidelines and regulated the same way by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name medications, but inactive ingredients can vary, such as dyes used to color generic medications or powders used to shape the tablets. 

These differences do not affect how generic medications work. Using a generic drug can save you money through lower copayments.

Fosamax, a medication for prevention of osteoporosis, is now available in a generic form. Imitrex, a medication for treatment of migraines, will be available in generic form later this year. 

Refer to your plan documents for additional information about coverage for generic and brand-name medications.