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

When your doctor hands you a prescription for a brand-name drug, you might assume you have no choice but to pay the full price. But here’s the truth: generic medication is often just as safe, just as effective, and costs up to 85% less. In fact, 9 out of 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S. are for generics. The question isn’t whether a generic exists-it’s whether you’re checking for it.

Why Generic Medications Are Worth Asking For

Generic drugs aren’t cheap knockoffs. They’re exact copies of brand-name drugs in every way that matters: same active ingredient, same strength, same way of being taken-whether it’s a pill, injection, or inhaler. The FDA requires them to deliver the same results in your body. That’s not marketing speak-it’s science. A generic version of Lipitor (atorvastatin) works the same as the brand. So does the generic for Zoloft (sertraline), Metformin, or even your morning blood pressure pill.

The only differences? The inactive ingredients-like fillers or dyes-and the packaging. Those don’t affect how the drug works. And yes, the price difference is staggering. In 2022, the average brand-name drug cost $765. A generic? Just $15. That’s not a small saving. That’s hundreds of dollars a month.

How to Find Out If a Generic Is Available

You don’t need to be a pharmacist or a researcher to find out. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

1. Ask Your Pharmacist First

This is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable method. Pharmacists have real-time access to databases that tell them exactly which generics are approved and available. When you drop off your prescription, say: “Is there a therapeutically equivalent generic version of this drug?” Don’t just ask, “Do you have a generic?” That’s too vague. You want to know if it’s an AB-rated generic-the kind the FDA says is fully interchangeable.

Pharmacists get this right 98.7% of the time, according to a JAMA study. Most major chains-CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid-automatically flag generic options before you even ask. But if they don’t bring it up, ask. It’s your right.

2. Use the FDA’s Drugs@FDA Database

If you want to check yourself, go to Drugs@FDA. Search for your brand-name drug. Once you find it, scroll down to the “Therapeutic Equivalence” section. Look for the two-letter code next to each approved version.

- AB means it’s approved as interchangeable with the brand. Safe to swap.

- BX means it’s not rated as equivalent. Avoid swapping without talking to your doctor.

You’ll also see the generic name listed right under the brand. If you see multiple AB-rated versions, you’ve got options. Some might be cheaper than others.

3. Check the Orange Book (Officially: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations)

The FDA’s Orange Book is the gold standard. It’s where all therapeutic equivalence ratings are published. You can search it directly on the FDA website. It’s more technical than Drugs@FDA, but it’s the source all pharmacies use.

Look for the “Therapeutic Equivalence Code.” If it says “A” for the first letter and “B” for the second (AB), you’re good. If it says “B,” stay away unless your doctor says otherwise.

4. Use GoodRx or Similar Apps

Apps like GoodRx are great for comparing prices. They’ll show you how much a generic costs at nearby pharmacies-sometimes under $5 with a coupon. But here’s the catch: GoodRx doesn’t always tell you if the generic is rated as therapeutically equivalent. It just shows you what’s available to buy. So use it for price checks, but always cross-reference with the FDA’s rating to be sure.

5. Check Your Medicare or Insurance Plan

If you’re on Medicare Part D or have private insurance, your plan’s formulary determines what gets covered-and at what cost. Go to your plan’s website and use the Drug Finder tool. Type in your brand-name drug. It will tell you if a generic is preferred (and cheaper). Some plans automatically switch you to a generic unless your doctor writes “Do Not Substitute.”

But beware: some plans switch you without telling you. That’s why you should always check your receipt or pharmacy confirmation. If your pill looks different, ask why.

When a Generic Might Not Be the Best Choice

Most of the time, generics are perfect. But there are exceptions.

Some drugs have a very narrow therapeutic index. That means even a tiny difference in how the body absorbs the drug can cause serious side effects. Examples include:

• Warfarin (blood thinner)
• Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone)
• Phenytoin (seizure control)
• Lithium (bipolar disorder)

For these, your doctor may prefer you stick with one brand or generic version consistently. Switching between different generic manufacturers could cause your levels to fluctuate. If you’re on one of these, ask your doctor: “Should I stay on the same generic, or is it safe to switch?”

What to Do If No Generic Is Available

About 10% of medications still don’t have generics. Why? Patents. Brand-name companies hold exclusive rights for up to 17 years from the patent filing date, and sometimes longer due to legal extensions. If your drug is still under patent, there’s no generic yet.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying full price. Ask your doctor if there’s another drug in the same class that’s already generic. For example, if your brand-name statin is still under patent, maybe a different statin like generic atorvastatin or rosuvastatin would work just as well.

You can also check the ASHP Drug Shortages database. Sometimes, even if a generic exists, it might be out of stock. That’s rare but worth knowing.

Real Stories: What People Are Saving

One Reddit user saved $1,200 a year just by switching from a brand-name antidepressant to its generic. Another found their $400 monthly insulin was available as a $25 generic alternative after asking their pharmacist. A Medicare beneficiary in Ohio discovered her $180 brand-name blood pressure pill had a $9 generic version-she’d been overpaying for three years.

On TikTok, nurses like @nurse_jen are showing people how to use the FDA’s Drugs@FDA tool in under 60 seconds. The video has over 2 million views because people are tired of being overcharged.

What to Do If You’re Given the Wrong Generic

Sometimes, pharmacies make mistakes. You might get a different generic than you expected-or even the wrong drug entirely. In 2022, the FTC reported that 0.7% of substitutions involved confusion between similarly named drugs-like Zyrtec (allergy) and Zyprexa (psychiatric). That’s rare, but it happens.

Always check the pill’s shape, color, and imprint code. You can look up any pill on the FDA’s NDC Directory or use a free app like Pill Identifier. If it doesn’t match what you’ve taken before, call your pharmacist. Don’t take it.

Final Tip: Make It a Habit

Don’t wait until your bill comes in to ask. Every time you get a new prescription, ask: “Is there a generic version?” Even if you’ve been on the same drug for years, a generic might have just been approved. The FDA approves dozens of new generics every month.

And if you’re on a long-term medication-like for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes-ask every six months. New generics come out all the time. You could be saving hundreds without lifting a finger.