Generic Eye Drops VS. Brand Name Eye Drops

For many eye drops, there are generic eye drops available in place of the branded or trade-name eye drops. These medications are subjected to the same degree of scrutiny by the FDA for approval but often cost the patient much less. In many cases, the doctor will allow substitutions of a generic medication in place of the branded medication. Drops for treating glaucoma, bacterial infections, and inflammation in the eyes all have generic options available.
 

How are Generic Medications Different than Branded Medications?

A true generic medication will be the same active ingredient in the medication with the same dosage or strength of the medication.

Potential differences include the preservatives or inactive ingredients, the approved shelf life, and the packaging of the medication.

For eye drops, there should be little noticeable difference between any branded medication and a true generic if one is available.
 

What Determines if a Generic Medication is Available?

Not all medications have a generic alternative available. Notably, newer medications or medications that have proprietary designs are often without a generic option.

Several factors contribute to whether or not a medication can have a generic option, but the largest is simply how long the medication patent has been held.

A newly approved medication is protected from a true generic for several years following the first market release.

Additionally, if the medication has any sort of additional proprietary design – whether the preservation, storage, or administration – this can prevent a generic from developing as a true equivalent option.
 

Common Generic Eye Drops

For eye drops, many of the most frequently prescribed medications have a generic available which can be substituted at the pharmacy.

Glaucoma drops such as Xalatan (latanoprost), Lumigan (bimatoprost), Alphagan (brimonidine), and Timoptic (timolol) are frequently prescribed and the generic options used in place of the branded names.

Antibiotic drops are also available as a generic often times including Vigamox (moxifloxacin), Ocuflox (ofloxacin), and Maxitrol (neomycin, polysporin, dexamethasone combination).
 

Benefits of Generic Eye Drops

When you are prescribed any eye drops, it is possible that the doctor allow the generic to be substituted by the pharmacist to assist in cost of the medication or coverage by medical insurance, availability of the medications at the pharmacy, and still provide the needed treatment.
 

Cost of Generic Medication vs Branded Medications

Usually, the biggest advantage of a generic medication is that the out-of-pocket cost for the patient is much lower than the branded alternative.

Medical insurance formulae prefer medications that have generic options available and will often cover these medications in place of those without a generic alternative.

For a branded medication, the research, development, and marketing expenses are much higher than for a generic alternative and thus the expected cost to the patient is also higher.

While not all generic medications offer significant savings compared to a branded option, most generic medications are between 20 and 50 percent less cost to the patient.

Having a generic alternative is always a great way to save on the cost of prescription medications and should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.

Our eye doctor at Local Eyes Optometry in New Braunfels, TX excels in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about generic eye drops and brand-name eye drops. Our eye doctor, Dr. Marcus Page, provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in New Braunfels, Texas.