Best Buy Drugs

(CBS)  Prescription drugs can be expensive, even if you have insurance coverage. But there are medicines that can effectively meet your medical needs and give you better value for your health care dollar.

What Is A Best Buy Drug?

According to Consumer Reports, a "Best Buy Drug" is in the top tier of effectiveness in its category, has a safety record equal or better than other drugs in the category, and has an average retail price that is substantially lower than the most costly drug in the category.

What Is The Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs?

Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs is a free public education service from the nonprofit Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports provides expert, independent information about products and services. The mission of the Best Buy Drugs project is to provide consumers and their doctors with information to help guide prescription drug choices–based on effectiveness, a drug's track record, safety and price.

What Is A Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of a brand name drug—using the same active ingredients that work in the same way in the body. Generic drugs come in the same dosages as brand name drugs, and they have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts. They become available when a brand drug losses its patent protection.

Where Are The Drug Reports?

You can click here to access the drug reports. They contain an analysis that combines an expert review of the scientific evidence on prescription drugs with their prices. Consumer Reports compares and contrasts prescription drugs by category.

To Learn More About Drug Prices:

• Click here to read more from Consumer Reports.

• You can compare Medicare drug prices here.

[bbr82]

If the generic medications are suitable for patients and patients can reach appropriate medical goals than it is a win win situation. However, generics usually have a % of variance in the medication. Therefore, it is simply, not the same. Not every medication is right for every individual. Some medications offer benefits than those that are generic, that is what patients really need to keep in mind. Price is important, but so is health. So price should not be the only factor when choosing a medication. Look at the benefits of a medication versus a generic and weight the option.

[topooped2pop]

Some of the reason as to why no one buys the cheaper drugs is because their doctor wont allow them to purchase them. I believe the doctors are getting paid to push the most expensive drugs. Why doesn't someone check into this?

[topooped2pop]

Some of the reason as to why no one buys the cheaper drugs is because their doctor wont allow them to purchase them. I believe the doctors are getting paid to push the most expensive drugs. Why doesn't someone check into this?

[ge556]

Also, please fix your website so we can tell when our comments are posted. The PUBLISH button does not appear to do anything, so we push it again.

I'm using Firefox 2.0.

[ge556]

Please tell your reporters not to say "three times less" (or "cheaper", etc.) when they mean "one-third as much", or "two-thirds less".

[ge556]

Please tell your reporters not to say "three times less" (or "cheaper", etc.) when they mean "one-third as much", or "two-thirds less".

[justokinnc]

Actually, the gentleman could possibly have saved even more. Nexium's predecessor was Prilosec. If he had his prescription written for Prilosec's generic name, Omeprazole, it might be even less expensive than Prilosec OTC. With my insurance, a 30-day supply of Omeprazole (30 capsules) costs me $7.00. Prilosec OTC is significantly more expensive, even if it is less expensive than Nexium. I'm not a pharmacist, but from what I understand, Nexium was created by taking out one of Prilosec's active ingredients. Sort of a way for patent extension. I have been taking Prilosec ever since it became available in the United States. It's a lifesaver! I've found no difference between presciption Prilosec and the generic Omeprazole.

[justokinnc]

Actually, the gentleman could possibly have saved even more. Nexium's predecessor was Prilosec. If he had his prescription written for Prilosec's generic name, Omeprazole, it might be even less expensive than Prilosec OTC. With my insurance, a 30-day supply of Omeprazole (30 capsules) costs me $7.00. Prilosec OTC is significantly more expensive, even if it is less expensive than Nexium. I'm not a pharmacist, but from what I understand, Nexium was created by taking out one of Prilosec's active ingredients. Sort of a way for patent extension. I have been taking Prilosec ever since it became available in the United States. It's a lifesaver! I've found no difference between presciption Prilosec and the generic Omeprazole.