When you hear brand name drugs, the original versions of medications developed and marketed by pharmaceutical companies under a patent-protected name. Also known as proprietary drugs, they're the first version of a medicine you see advertised on TV or prescribed by your doctor. These aren’t just labels—they’re the result of years of research, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. But once the patent runs out, the same exact drug reappears as a generic drug, a chemically identical version sold under its active ingredient name at a fraction of the cost. The active ingredient? The same. The pill shape? Often identical. The price? Usually 80% lower.
So why do brand name drugs still exist? Because companies invest heavily to get them approved in the first place. The FDA requires rigorous testing before any drug hits the market, whether it’s brand or generic. But brand name manufacturers spend billions on marketing, sales reps, and patient support programs. That’s why a 30-day supply of Lipitor might cost $300, while generic atorvastatin runs under $10. And while generics are just as safe and effective, some patients stick with the brand—sometimes out of habit, sometimes because their insurance pushes it, or because they believe the brand works better. But studies from the FDA and independent medical journals consistently show no difference in outcomes.
What you might not realize is that drug pricing, the system that determines how much pharmacies and patients pay for medications is shaped by patents, insurance deals, and pharmacy benefit managers. A drug like Valtrex might cost $200 because the maker holds the patent, but once generics enter, prices drop fast. Meanwhile, prescription medications, any drug taken under medical supervision, whether brand or generic are often subject to prior authorizations, step therapy, and formulary restrictions—rules that have nothing to do with safety and everything to do with cost control.
You don’t need to accept whatever your doctor hands you. Ask if there’s a generic. Ask if there’s a cheaper alternative. Ask if your insurance has a preferred option. Many of the posts below compare brand name drugs like Voveran, Altraz, and Duratia with their generic or similar counterparts—so you know exactly what you’re paying for, and whether you’re getting real value.
Authorized generics are identical to brand-name drugs in every way-same ingredients, same manufacturer, same quality. Learn how they compare to regular generics and when they’re the best choice for your health.
Authorized generics are identical to brand-name drugs but sold without the brand label. They offer a middle ground between expensive brands and cheaper generics, with the same ingredients and manufacturer. Learn how they work, why they exist, and how to spot them.