Saves you money on your prescriptions.
Compliments of ...
Assemblyman
Nelson L. Castro
An Important Message from...
Assemblyman
Nelson L. Castro
Dear Neighbor,
For too long, New Yorkers—especially the elderly, sick, and disabled—have paid
unnecessarily high prices for necessary prescriptions.
However, thanks to the Generic Drug Substitution Law, consumers can cut their
prescription drug costs by more than 50 percent.
Under this law, every pharmacy must maintain an up-to-date list of the generic and
brand name drugs that are medically equivalent. You are assured of safe, high-quality
drugs at substantially reduced prices. This law can result in significant savings for you
and your family.
Remember, tell your health care practitioner that you would like a generic drug
prescription and make this law work to your full advantage.
Sincerely,
Nelson L. Castro
Member of Assembly
Tell your health care practitioner
you want the low-cost generic drug...
What is a
Generic Drug?
A generic drug is known by its chemical name (e.g., penicillin), not by a brand name given to it
by the manufacturer. Under its generic name, a drug can cost 30% to 70% less than the same
drug sold under a brand name.
Can I insist on
Less Expensive Drugs?
New York State Law requires your pharmacist to dispense the low-cost, officially approved,
equivalent drugs, if your health care practitioner approves the substitution. The cheaper
substitutes will generally be non-patented, “generic” drugs. They must be included in the
official New York State Health Department list of approved, medically equivalent drugs.
Can I be sure a less expensive drug is a
Safe & Effective Substitute
to the brand name drug?
Every pharmacy has a copy of a list of safe, effective, interchangeable drugs, which it must
maintain. Furthermore, most hospitals and state institutions have been using drugs sold
under their generic names for some time.
How can my
Pharmacist Help
make the law work?
Your pharmacist should maintain an official listing of interchangeable drugs and
can recommend the most economical, equivalent drugs.
How does the
Prescription Pad
encourage the use of generic drugs?
The pad makes it easier to prescribe a generic equivalent rather than a brand name drug.
Previously, brand name drugs would be used to fill prescriptions unless the health care
practitioner specifically indicated that generic equivalents were acceptable. The current
prescription form indicates that generic substitutes will automatically be used to fill the
prescription unless the health care practitioner specifically orders the use of a brand name.
Be Aware of the Branded Generic.
Some drug companies have created products called “branded generics” by combining
a brand name with the chemical name of the drug. While this product is cheaper than
the more expensive brand name drug, there is probably a less expensive equivalent on
the state list. You should ask your pharmacist about the most economical way to fill
your prescription.
Three
Important
Steps
in Generic Drug Substitution:
Inform
Talk to your health care practitioner.
Tell your health care practitioner you want the most effective, low-cost medication.
He or she must approve its use for you. Be aware of branded generic drugs. There
may be an even less expensive equivalent available.
Compare
Shop for best price.
Comparison shop at a few local pharmacies since drug prices can vary from store to store.
Call
Call with questions.
If you have any problems with this law, contact your local State Department of Health office,
State Office for the Aging, or your local consumer protection agency. Also, my office is
always ready to help.
REMINDER
Preventive health care is considered by experts in the health field to be the best insurance against
illness. It is also important to remember that many prescribed medicines can become habit-forming.
If you are taking prescribed medication, stay in touch with your health care practitioner and ask
questions. Never take any prescribed medication without the approval of your health care practitioner.
For free information on preventive health care measures, write to:
New York State Health Dept.
Office of Health Communications and Education
Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
