Ask for your ADHD medication by name—and confirm it with your pharmacist every time.
When it comes to ADHD treatment, doctors, parents, and patients all have a say in which medication is dispensed at the pharmacy.
Have you ever received a generic medication and wondered why?
Or maybe you're wondering what exactly a generic medication is?
Read on to learn more about generics and understanding your options.
generic Drugs
Generic drugs are medications that are copies of a brand name drug. They contain the same active (medicinal) ingredients, in the same amount, as the "brand name" drug and work the same way in the body (referred to as being "bioequivalent"). But non-medicinal ingredients like fillers or colourants, can be different from the brand name drug.
Branded pill
Generic pill
it's your choice
Many drug plans have rules that limit payment for a specific medication once a generic option is available.
Based on local guidelines, pharmacies may automatically give you the generic version.
If your pharmacist does offer you a generic medication, the choice is still yours—you can still choose the brand name. You can request this by letting them know you would like your prescription filled with the brand name and referring to the drug by name.
Remember that you have a say in treatment choice.
Discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
Some brands may offer co-pay programs, like RxHelp™ ONE, to help with the cost of the brand name medication.