How Do You Know if a Generic-Drug Version Exists for a Prescription?

Published: September 26, 2015 06:00 AM

Q. How can I know whether there's a generic-drug version of my prescription?

A. It usually takes several months after a generic drug is approved for it to become available in a pharmacy, according to Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs. Even after some drugs are approved as generic, there may be further delays to market because of behind-the-scenes efforts to keep generic-drug versions unavailable for a little while longer. CRBestBuyDrugs.org lists common drugs and indicates whether a generic-drug version is available. Your pharmacy is your best source for additional information. You can also check a drug's status at accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/ or at dailymed.nlm.nih.gov.

For more check Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

Editor's Note:

This article also appeared in the November 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.