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Blog | Alto Pharmacy

Nearly half of all US adults have high blood pressure, a key risk factor in the development of heart disease. While high blood pressure, or hypertension, is manageable, only 24% of those with the condition have it under control, and many people who could benefit from medication aren’t receiving the treatment they need.

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

If your doctor has recommended blood pressure medication, you may have concerns about beginning this treatment approach rather than focusing on lifestyle changes alone. Keep in mind that, unlike age or genetics, high blood pressure is a heart disease risk factor you have some control over. It’s important to take whatever steps you can to strengthen your heart health and prevent heart attacks and stroke. Depending on your blood pressure readings and overall health history, this may include taking hypertension medication.

Below, we explain more about treatment options for high blood pressure and when it may be necessary to take medication.

Blood pressure is the force your heart uses to pump oxygen-rich blood and deliver it to organs and tissues throughout your body. Healthy blood pressure is critical to many areas of your health. It keeps the heart from working too hard and supports healthy kidney function, allowing your kidneys to remove excess fluid and toxins from your body.

A blood pressure reading has two components: systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood flowing out of your heart and into your arteries.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force created when your heart fills with blood while resting between beats.

Blood pressure readings present your systolic blood pressure over your diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading that is consistently higher than 130 over 80 mm Hg. More severe high blood pressure, also referred to as stage 2 hypertension, is defined as a reading of 140+ over 90+ mm Hg.

High blood pressure affects your body in many ways. It causes the heart to work harder, stretching or harming blood vessels and accelerating the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Over time, this may lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

It can also damage other important organs:

Narrowed or blocked arteries can block blood flow to the brain.

Narrowed or blocked blood vessels prevent the kidneys from performing key functions such as filtering blood or regulating blood pressure.

Damaged blood vessels in the retina can lead to eye disease or loss of vision.

Lifestyle changes that may lower blood pressure

Treatment for high blood pressure includes both lifestyle changes and medications. The following habits and practices are an important component of managing high blood pressure even if you take blood pressure medication.

Diet: The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg, as high sodium consumption can increase blood pressure. Processed or prepackaged foods are common sources of sodium, in addition to salt. On the other hand, be sure to incorporate fruits, vegetables, fish, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your meal planning.

Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can also support healthy blood pressure. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes each day.

Stress management: Though research on the long-term relationship between stress and hypertension isn’t definitive, we know that adrenaline and cortisol — the hormones released when the body experiences stress — can increase your heartbeat and narrow your blood vessels. Focus on positive ways to prevent or reduce stress, including exercise and mindfulness practices.

Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure and your overall risk for heart disease. 

Moderate alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking is associated with high blood pressure. The CDC recommends limiting alcohol intake to two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women.

When does a doctor prescribe blood pressure medication?

When developing hypertension treatment recommendations, your doctor will look at the whole picture of your health — specifically your risk for heart disease — not just your blood pressure. The higher your overall risk for heart health issues, the more likely you are to benefit from blood pressure medication.

These are some of the health factors your doctor will consider:

Other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hypertension medication after first exploring lifestyle changes. However, if you have very high blood pressure, medication may be necessary as a first-line treatment.

What are the most common blood pressure medications?

There are a variety of physiological approaches to lowering blood pressure, and different blood pressure medications function differently. They may:

Block nerve activity to prevent blood vessels from constricting

These are some commonly prescribed classes of blood pressure medications.

Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. Commonly prescribed diuretics include:

Chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®)

Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®)

ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications expand constricted blood vessels so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) target the hormone angiotensin II to prevent blood vessels from narrowing. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, helping the heart beat with less force. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®, Tiazac®)

Verapamil (Calan SR®, Covera HS®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat less forcefully while opening up the veins and arteries. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

When the above medications aren’t effective at lowering high blood pressure, a doctor may prescribe other types of medications, including alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, and vasodilators.

How will my doctor pick the right blood pressure medication for me?

Blood pressure management varies by individual, and there is no one best medication. Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending a medication, including:

Your overall heart health and risk for cardiovascular issues

Other medications you take and potential interactions

High blood pressure frequently intersects with other health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and heart failure, so your doctor may recommend a treatment approach that targets several conditions at once. This may mean taking more than one blood pressure medication.

There are a variety of blood pressure medications, and it may take time for you and your doctor to determine the best treatment for your needs.

What if my medication causes side effects?

Like most medications, many common blood pressure medications have the potential for side effects. For example, diuretics have been associated with thirst, dehydration, and decreased potassium levels.

The good news is that with the variety of medications to consider, you have other options if you have a negative response to any single medication. Remember, too, that in many cases, the benefits of a blood pressure medication outweigh the potential risks or possibility of side effects.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your blood pressure-lowering medications. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our expert pharmacists are always just a message away!

To learn more, reach out via in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

At Alto Pharmacy, a patient’s financial wellness is of the utmost importance. We understand that cost is one of the most common barriers to medication access, and we go above and beyond to connect patients with any savings opportunities that they may qualify for. 

Alto Pharmacy’s Product Controls for Coupons

At the same time, as a specialty pharmacy, we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of assistance programs and ensure that only eligible patients benefit from these resources. Our integrated technology stack provides the controls needed to restrict savings access to qualifying patients. Take a look.

The two components of Alto’s technology stack are both integral to our coupon controls.

Our proprietary pharmacy management software, Wunderbar — through which more than 80% of our prescriptions are automatically billed by algorithms — gives us both control and flexibility, with the ability to set custom workflows and requirements.

Our patient app — which the majority of Alto patients use for intake, medication ordering, and delivery scheduling — integrates with Wunderbar. With many areas for patient input, including coupon sign-ups, the app allows us to easily provide data to partners and further supports our controls.

Multiple guardrails for controlling coupon use

Our robust technology platform gives us multiple ways to ensure that coupons are applied to those who are eligible.

Providers often include ICD-10 diagnosis codes on prescriptions to aid in prior authorizations and coupon use. The provided information is entered into Wunderbar during our automated intake process. Our billing controls can limit coupon use to a specific diagnosis code if necessary, allowing for proper distribution of a medication. 

If a provider did not include the necessary diagnosis code for coupon verification, the patient can verify their diagnosis through the app. Our tech capabilities allow us to create pop-ups or notifications as needed for patient input. This patient attestation can be customized for different medication coupon scenarios and reported outcomes.

With a flexible tech stack, we can easily create additional workflows or automations to further regulate savings applications. These are some of the filters we can use:

Since we use proprietary software, we’re not only able to ensure appropriate application of savings opportunities — we have so much available data about coupon use to share with partners like you.

We can provide NDC and patient-level insights, including coupon application, the exact amount of money saved, and how many fills were delivered. These data insights could help develop market access strategies by monitoring gross to net gaps and identifying the opportunities for copay accumulators and maximizers.

Choose Alto Pharmacy for your limited distribution network

Alto’s end-to-end dispensing model is specifically built for specialty and specialty lite products. To learn more about partnering with us, reach out to partnerships@alto.com.

At Alto Pharmacy, a patient’s financial wellness is of the utmost importance. We understand that cost is one of the most common barriers to medication access, and we go above and beyond to connect patients with any savings opportunities that they may qualify for. 

At the same time, as a specialty pharmacy, we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of assistance programs and ensure that only eligible patients benefit from these resources. Our integrated technology stack provides the controls needed to restrict savings access to qualifying patients. Take a look.

Whether used to fight short-term illnesses or to treat chronic physical or mental health issues, medications can be life-saving or life-changing when used appropriately. Unfortunately, medication is only taken as prescribed 50% of the time, in some cases resulting in serious health complications.

The Importance of Taking Your Medication As Prescribed

Understanding what it means to take a medication as prescribed — and why it’s so important — is a critical first step to following the care plan your doctor has recommended. Below, we share general guidelines for safe and effective medication use as well the tools Alto offers to help you stay on track with treatment.

What does it mean to take a medication as prescribed?

For starters, it’s more than simply taking the medication. Other key aspects include:

Taking the full dose of your medication on time.

Taking your medication at the time of day that your doctor has instructed you to.

In the case of short-term medication use, taking the full course of treatment. For instance, antibiotics are typically prescribed for 7-14 days. You may feel better after several days of treatment, but this doesn’t mean that the infection has been resolved. Taking an antibiotic for less time than directed can lead to a worsening of symptoms or resistance to that particular medication.

Following any other instructions from your pharmacist or provider, such as taking your medication with food, on an empty stomach, or several hours after eating. They may also tell you to avoid consuming certain foods or drinks when taking your medication, or engaging in activities that require your full attention, if your medication causes drowsiness.

Taking a medication as prescribed is essential to experiencing its benefits. Many of the guidelines above are necessary to have the right amount of a medication in your blood. Timing and dosage are so important because they are the main factors that can ensure consistent blood levels of your medication.

With many medications, directions about food and drinks also relate to medication blood levels. There are instances when a food or supplement interacts with a medication, affecting your blood levels of that medication or preventing it from entering your bloodstream altogether.

There are some common known food-medication interactions:

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can prevent your body from breaking down cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to higher blood levels of the medication and a greater risk of side effects.

Dairy products may affect the body’s absorption of certain antibiotics. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, ask your pharmacist about potential food-medication interactions.

Vitamin K-rich vegetables such as broccoli and spinach can interfere with the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin.

Your provider may also give you instructions to ensure that your medication has minimal, if any, impact on your daily life. For example, medications that increase your energy are typically recommended to take early in the day, while medications that cause drowsiness are typically recommended to take at night.

There are numerous reasons a medication isn’t taken as prescribed. Fortunately, you can take simple steps like the following to stay on track.

Understanding the purpose of your medication can help you stay committed to your treatment plan. If you take multiple medications, it’s easy to forget why each one is so important. Never hesitate to ask your provider or pharmacist to clarify what a specific medication is used for — our pharmacists are more than happy to do so via in-app messaging!

Additionally, before starting a new medication, make sure you have the information you need to prevent medication interactions. We suggest asking the following questions:

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

If you have any concerns after starting treatment, share them with your doctor

Difficulty affording a medication or unpleasant side effects can both lead to skipped doses. If you have any type of concern about a medication, open communication with your doctor is key. They can help you discuss potential changes to your treatment plan, such as exploring an alternative medication. Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your provider.

Find your preferred system for remembering to take your medication

One of the most common reasons people don’t take their medication as prescribed is that they simply forget to. There are many ways to develop a medication routine and avoid missed doses. You may find it helpful to use a daily pill box or link the act of taking your medication with something else you do each day, such as brushing your teeth.

To help you stay on top of your prescriptions, the Alto app offers medication management tools, including custom dose reminders and auto refills. And if you take multiple medications, you can receive all of them in a single, recurring delivery through a free medication bundling service!

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it may feel overwhelming. If you or your child has received a diagnosis, one of the best things you can do as a next step is to educate yourself about the condition. To make sure you have the information you need, we’ve debunked common myths about type 1 diabetes.

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is only diagnosed in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes, and it’s true that it’s most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. However, a diagnosis can come at any age, and symptoms may first develop in adulthood.

It can be difficult to identify type 1 diabetes in adults, as early symptoms often develop rapidly and can be mistaken as illness. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Other symptoms include drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. If you experience any of the symptoms above, speak with your provider about an evaluation for a potential diagnosis.

Myth: It can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This is not the case with type 1. While the exact causes of type 1 diabetes aren’t entirely understood, it is considered an autoimmune condition, which means that a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own tissues and organs.

In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day. (This is another important distinction between the two types of diabetes — type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning that the pancreas produces some insulin, but cells don’t respond normally to it.)

Many autoimmune disorders run in families, and type 1 diabetes is thought to have a genetic component. Having a parent or sibling with the condition may increase a person’s risk for developing it.

Myth: If you have type 1 diabetes, you can’t eat sugar.

A common myth about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that they’re caused by sugar. This is not true, and people with either type of diabetes can indeed consume sugar.

That said, managing blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of diabetes treatment, and diet can significantly affect a person’s blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient. Since daily insulin dosages are based on daily insulin-to-carb ratios, people with diabetes need to monitor their carb intake.

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid carbohydrates altogether, but rather that you need to plan ahead and maintain a balanced diet. You should still be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you plan meals carefully and spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Myth: You can’t lead an active life with type 1 diabetes.

Quite the opposite! In fact, regular physical activity is as important for people with diabetes as it is for anyone else. However, there are extra fitness-related considerations to account for when you have diabetes.

Exercise is another factor in blood sugar levels, and some people experience decreased blood sugar during or after exercise. A variety of factors can affect your blood sugar response to exercise, including:

Your blood sugar levels prior to exercise

To exercise safely as a person with diabetes, check your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise, and be prepared to treat low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

Generally speaking, mild hypoglycemia can be treated by following the 15-15 rule: eat fifteen grams of carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range and check your levels again after fifteen minutes. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL or your own personal target, eat fifteen more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is back to normal, then eat a meal or snack to maintain it.

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)

Myth: Treatment stays the same throughout a person’s life.

While treatment for type 1 diabetes isn’t as varied as treatment for type 2 diabetes, and everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy, a person’s insulin needs will likely change throughout their life.

The physical changes caused by puberty and pregnancy often lead to evolving diabetes treatment needs, including different blood sugar targets and insulin dosages. Plus, as you learn more about diabetes and become more familiar with your body’s needs, you may find that you have a different experience of living with the condition.

Given the complexities of diabetes management, it’s important to regularly see an endocrinologist who can evaluate your insulin needs and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Alto is with you every step of the way in managing your or your child’s diabetes. We make it simple to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and same-day delivery right to your doorstep.

We also provide personalized support via in-app messaging. If you have questions about insulin therapy, side effects, insurance terminology, or anything else related to diabetes treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Despite how widespread infertility is, affecting about 9% of U.S. men and 11% of U.S. women, the condition remains underdiscussed and misunderstood.

Information is critical to making the right decisions throughout your family building journey, but with so many misconceptions about fertility — and so much unsolicited advice — it can be difficult to know the best way forward. To help set the record straight, we’ve debunked several common myths about infertility.

Top Fertility Myths Debunked

Despite how widespread infertility is, affecting about 9% of U.S. men and 11% of U.S. women, the condition remains underdiscussed and misunderstood.

Information is critical to making the right decisions throughout your family building journey, but with so many misconceptions about fertility — and so much unsolicited advice — it can be difficult to know the best way forward. To help set the record straight, we’ve debunked several common myths about infertility.

Myth: Infertility is purely a female health issue

Infertility is often considered a women’s health issue, but in reality, only a third of all infertility cases are exclusively caused by female reproductive factors. Of the remaining two-thirds, half stem from only a male reproductive factor and half stem from a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.

Male infertility is most often the result of issues with sperm production, including problems with sperm quality and quantity. Fertility treatment can help address both male and female fertility issues. In fact, one reason for the perception of infertility as purely a female health condition is that it is sometimes women who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) even for a male infertility factor. (Men can be treated for infertility with oral medications or injectable hormone therapy, but these treatments can take six months to a year or more whereas a typical IVF cycle is just two weeks.)

If you and your partner are experiencing challenges conceiving, you both may wish to consult with a doctor about a fertility evaluation to determine the best next steps. Experts recommend seeking an evaluation after six months of trying to conceive if the female partner is over 35 and after a year if the female partner is 35 or younger.

Read Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Myth: Age doesn’t affect male fertility

Many people are aware that women become less fertile as they age, with a significant decline in the quantity and quality of their eggs from the mid 30s until they eventually reach menopause. Male fertility also declines with age, typically beginning around 35-40. And though the changes men experience are less significant — men never stop producing sperm and may be able to conceive well into their 50s, 60s, or later — a male partner’s age can influence pregnancy rates and how long it takes to conceive.

The age-related decrease in male fertility often stems from changes in sperm quantity and quality. Sperm quantity refers to the amount of sperm produced, while quality refers to its movement, size, and shape. These characteristics are important factors in male fertility, as they affect sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize an egg.

Myth: You’re too young to experience fertility challenges

Given that age is a factor in both male and female infertility cases, it’s understandable to assume that you won’t have difficulty conceiving in your 20s or early 30s. However, infertility affects people of different ages. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 7% of women between the ages of 20-24 face infertility, as do 9% of women between the ages of 25-29.

Age-related changes in fertility can vary by individual. While fertility typically begins to decline around the ages of 30-35 for most women, it’s possible to enter premature menopause and experience these changes even earlier.

Beyond the variation in age-related fertility issues, there are some causes of infertility entirely unrelated to age, including:

A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, or gonorrhea — conditions that can lead to blocked fallopian tubes

Other health issues including a history of chronic illnesses or cancer of a reproductive organ

Lifestyle factors including smoking and substance use issues

Remember that no one is ever too young to pursue fertility testing, and you are your own best advocate.

Myth: Getting a regular monthly period means you won’t struggle with fertility

Yes, the majority of female infertility cases are caused by problems with ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovaries — and a regular period typically indicates that you are ovulating normally. However, there are other drivers of female infertility, and it is possible to struggle to conceive even with a regular menstrual cycle.

Here are some reasons why you might have difficulty conceiving despite getting a regular monthly period:

Structural issues with the uterus or cervix

Endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere

Silent anovulation*, a condition in which a person does not ovulate despite getting a regular period

Fortunately, there is treatment for a wide range of fertility issues. A fertility evaluation is an important first step toward addressing your specific challenge.

*The majority of anovulation cases are characterized by an irregular period and therefore more easily recognizable, hence why those that include a regular period are referred to as silent cases.

Myth: Couples who naturally conceived previously won’t struggle with fertility in the future

Having an easy time getting pregnant once doesn’t necessarily indicate that you will have the same experience in the future. Infertility may develop at different stages of life, particularly when age is a contributing factor.

Secondary infertility occurs when individuals or couples who already have one or more children have difficulty conceiving again. It affects approximately 11% of U.S. couples and is caused by many of the same factors as primary infertility, or difficulty conceiving for the first time.

Regardless of whether you’ve been pregnant previously, don’t delay on seeking a fertility evaluation if you are struggling to conceive.

Myth: If you’re trying to conceive, just relax

It’s commonly assumed that stress makes it more difficult to get pregnant. While chronic stress may affect a person’s ability to conceive, it’s important to remember that infertility is a medical condition, and stress alone is unlikely to drive fertility struggles. In other words, try not to let your stress become a new source of stress.

That said, while healthy stress management isn’t a substitute for fertility treatment, staying mindful of your emotional and mental well-being can only make it easier to navigate the challenges of infertility.

A pharmacy partner for your fertility journey

Fertility treatment can be a challenging journey, but Alto is with you every step of the way. We offer free same-day delivery of your medications and fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and access to fertility-trained pharmacists.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your treatment? Request a price quote online or reach out through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Generic medications, which can cost an average of 80-85% less than their brand-name counterparts, have made treatment more accessible for many, improving medication adherence and health outcomes. They currently account for 90% of all prescription medications dispensed in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Medications

Despite the extensive use and effectiveness of generic medications, they are often a source of confusion. To help demystify how these medications work — and how they differ from branded options — we’ve compiled answers to commonly asked questions.

A generic medication has the same active-ingredient formula — and the same therapeutic benefits — as an already marketed brand-name equivalent, typically for a much lower cost. It can be considered an equal substitute for its branded version.

There are generic options for both over-the-counter and prescription medications. For example, ibuprofen is the generic name for Advil® and Motrin®, and acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol®. 

Are there any differences between generic and brand-name medications?

In order to become available for use, a generic medication must undergo a rigorous approval process from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Generic medication manufacturers must demonstrate that their product is equivalent to the brand version in several key ways:

It contains the same active ingredient — the substance in a medication formula directly responsible for that medication’s clinical benefits

It has the same strength, dosage form, and administration method

Given these similarities, a generic will not produce different side effects than its branded counterpart.   

A generic medication can differ from its brand-name counterpart in ways that do not affect its safety or effectiveness. This includes differences in appearance, such as shape, size, and color, as well as inactive ingredients, like binding materials, dyes, and preservatives. In fact, given trademark and branding laws, a generic has to look at least slightly different from the branded option.

If a generic has been approved, the FDA has determined its inactive ingredients are safe. However, there is the possibility that you are sensitive or allergic to an inactive ingredient contained in one version but not the other. 

Why do generic medications cost less than brand-name medications?

A common misconception about generic versions of medication is that their lower cost means that they don’t meet the same standards as their brand-name equivalents. There are two main reasons why generic medications are more affordable, and they have nothing to do with quality.

The cost of developing a new medication and then bringing it to market is very high. Manufacturers of an original brand-name medication have to spend millions of dollars on clinical trials and marketing. Companies making generics don’t have to go through the same process and can charge much less for their medications as a result.

Secondly, generics create marketplace competition, further driving down medication costs. This is especially true when multiple generic options have entered the market.

Does every brand-name medication have a generic equivalent?

No. A generic medication cannot be produced until the patent on the original brand-name option expires. The current term of a medication patent is 20 years. Periods of market exclusivity and the testing and approval process also factor into the timeline for developing a generic.

To find out if there is a generic option for your medication, check with your pharmacist or search the FDA’s catalog of approved medications.

Will my insurance cover both versions of a medication?

Insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general, many companies offer better coverage of generic medications due to their lower cost. Some plans don’t cover branded options unless there is no generic equivalent. Always verify the details of your insurance coverage before filling a prescription.

Can a pharmacist substitute a generic for a brand-name medication?

In most states, pharmacists are allowed to automatically substitute a generic for a brand-name medication when filling your prescription unless your doctor has instructed them not to.

There are some exceptions, however. Some medications have a narrow therapeutic window, which means that they require careful dosing and often frequent monitoring. (They may be referred to as narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs.) Some people are more sensitive to the differences between generic and brand-name NTIs than others. For this reason, a pharmacist will often consult with a provider before making a substitution for one of these medications.

If I started taking a brand-name medication, can I switch to the generic version?

Generally speaking, yes — since generics are bioequivalent to their branded counterparts, with the same safety, quality, and effectiveness, you can easily switch between versions. However, NTIs may require additional consideration. Your provider or pharmacist can help clarify any questions or concerns you may have about switching to a generic.

Questions about generic medications? Ask away!

Generic medications, which can cost an average of 80-85% less than their brand-name counterparts, have made treatment more accessible for many, improving medication adherence and health outcomes. They currently account for 90% of all prescription medications dispensed in the United States.

Despite the extensive use and effectiveness of generic medications, they are often a source of confusion. To help demystify how these medications work — and how they differ from branded options — we’ve compiled answers to commonly asked questions.

Blog

When is Medication Necessary to Manage Blood Pressure?

Alto Pharmacy’s Product Controls for Coupons

The Importance of Taking Your Medication As Prescribed

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Top Fertility Myths Debunked

Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Medications

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

How Do Antibiotics Work?

Small Changes for a Healthier Heart

How to Treat Seasonal Depression

What to Consider Before Freezing Your Eggs

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

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