Types of Drugs
Generic drugs—prescription drugs that have the same active ingredient as brand-name drugs, are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug, and usually cost less than brand-name drugs. These drugs appear in lower case italics in your formulary.
Brand-name drugs—prescription drugs that are protected by patent and typically produced and sold by one manufacturer. These drugs appear in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in your formulary.
- Preferred brand—brand-name drugs that are included on a preferred drug list and are usually available at a lower cost than non-preferred brand-name drugs.
- Non-preferred brand—brand-name drugs that are not on the preferred drug list but are still included in the Part D Plan formulary.
- Specialty drugs—high-cost biotech and other unique drugs used to treat specific conditions. Limited to a 30-day supply each time you get your prescription filled.