A major provider today announced the implementation of a unique generic alternative program. The program allows members to obtain select generic drugs at a discount off their co-pay for their first prescription when they begin a new drug therapy with a generic drug. This program is the next generation in generic encouragement programs because it emphasizes highly respected and widely used generic drugs that can be appropriate substitutes for many brand name drugs within a therapeutic class, not just the generic version of the equivalent brand name. The program is designed to enhance dialogue between members and their physicians, and help control and reduce escalating out-of-pocket prescription costs for the member.

Based on rigorous studies, the FDA has conclusively determined that generic drugs are safe and effective. The generic drug names available through the program is as follows:

Generic Drug	Equivalent Brand Name Drug	Common Indications	Other Brand Name Drugs
Fluoxetine	Prozac	Depression	Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa
Lovastatin	Mevacor	High Cholesterol	Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor, Lescol
Ranitidine Tablets	Zantac Tablets	Acid Reflux	Prevacid, AcipHex, Nexium, Protonix, Prilosec
Lisinopril	Zestril / Prinivil	High Blood Pressure	Diovan, Cozaar, Avapro, Atacand, Norvasc
Atenolol	Tenormin
Metoprolol	Lopressor
Hydrochlorothiazide	Oretic
Chlorthalidone	Hygroton
Metformin	Glucophage	Diabetes	Actos, Avandia
Ibuprofen	Motrin	Arthritis Pain	Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra
Naproxen	Naprosyn

A drug is available only in its brand name version before the patent for the drug expires. When the patent expires, other companies can manufacture the same drug under the generic name, usually at a much lower cost.

"Unfortunately, when a patent expires, the marketing of these drugs to patients and physicians stops. However, this doesn’t make these drugs any less effective, and as recent industry studies have shown, there is a growing awareness of the value of these older generics," said Dr. Robert Seidman BCBSMo’s chief pharmacy officer. "We have an obligation to our members to continue to offer an affordable pharmacy benefit. The use of these time tested and clinically proven drugs provides a value-added alternative for our members."

"Our network physicians tell us that it’s not unusual for patients to respond to advertising by asking for the latest drug they’ve seen on television or heard about on the radio. And, it’s not unusual for physicians to prescribe the newest brand name in a therapeutic class," said Dr. John Seidenfeld, vice president and medical director.

When a physician considers it medically appropriate for a member to receive generic medications, the physician will prescribe the generic medication as usual.