Medication Choices

Reducing Pharmacy Spend

Brand-name drugs have a significant impact on overall pharmacy spending. In 2023, the Association for Accessible Medications reported that while brand-name drugs were only 10% of prescriptions filled, they accounted for 82.5% of prescription drug spend. 

When a brand-name drug becomes generic, a conversion takes place automatically at the pharmacy. But what about patients taking a brand-name drug without a generic equivalent available?

Patients have improved adherence when their medications are affordable. To support your patients, you may consider prescribing a lower-cost alternative such as a generic or brand-name drug within the same therapeutic drug class. While this requires a new prescription, it allows your patient to access a medication that is as safe and effective at a lower cost, which may reduce their out-of-pocket expense.