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RX drug spending represents the highest trend rate in the industry. Employers are constantly seeking plan designs that encourage generic utilization as a way to curb the costs, but are often thwarted by the preponderance of "single source brand" (no generic alternative) medications on the market along with employee uncertainty about generic alternatives.
2006 promises to be the year for employers to step up the pace in the push toward generic utilization, for two reasons:
First, as you may be aware, Statin (high cholesterol) medications are among the top 10 utilized drugs in virtually all employer sponsored Rx programs. Currently all Statin medications remain single source brand medications with no generic alternatives. In 2006 Zocor, one of the top three, will be available generically. This is guaranteed to create something of a stir in the Prescription Drug marketplace! Your employees, even if they are not currently using Zocor, will hear about this. While other single source brands, such as Lipitor and Pravachol, will still be available the Zocor generic will be encouraged by many Rx drug vendors. In fact, many vendors will adjust their formularies as a result. Your employees are going to hear from everyone else, so isn't this the perfect time for employers to seize the opportunity and spotlight the advantages associated with increased generic utilization?
Second, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is on your side! They have a targeted campaign focusing consumers on the safety and efficacy of generic medication. Their communication pieces include bulletin board posters and Question & Answer documents. They stress the fact that generics are guaranteed by the FDA to be the same quality, strength, purity and stability as their brand name counterparts. The posters are eye-catching and colorful. The Question and Answer documents are well written and easy to read.
We encourage employers to utilize the FDA materials to launch your own campaign to encourage generic utilization. For your convenience we consolidated the FDA pieces and placed them in one easy location on this website for you.
FDA Generic Drug Q&A
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