When generic medications were introduced, most people were reluctant to try them because they believed the generic brand was not as good or did not work as well as the name brand. That attitude changed especially with insurance companies providing support for generic brands only, unless that is, a physician specifically prescribed a brand name and a medical reason for doing so.
That same attitude, about not trusting the product, is applied to store brand names for over the counter (OTC) products and medications.
Attitudes are changing because the store brands, sometimes called private labels, because more people consider them just as good as or better at times than national brands. Many are realizing that purchasing store brands is a smart way to save money.
It is not unusual for baby boomers to purchase commonly used branded drugs such as Tylenol, Advil or Prilosec to treat a range of minor ailments. However, if you are on a tight budget those are going to cost a lot more than the store brand versions of the same drugs. The store brand products contain the same ingredients and are considered just as reliable and safe as the branded drugs. The only difference seems to be the cost. You may also want to consider choosing from off brand alternatives.
According to the FDA these generic versions of our branded favorites contain the same active ingredients and are just as strictly regulated by the FDA. After all, they are the federal agency that makes a prescription drug available over the counter so that more people can afford to have access at lower costs. For some, the over the counter may raise the cost because insurance plans does not cover these medsications.
Before you make the switch, know how much it will cost. You could save as much as 30 percent by swapping a pasture brand or private label for a brand name. Keep in many that many supermarkets, discounters, warehouse clubs and drugstores carry their own brands. CVS pharmacy, the largest retail pharmacy in America, sells its own brand in just about everything.