Questions to Consider When Choosing Between Brand and Generic Therapy

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries recently announced the launch of ALYQ ™ (tadalafil), a generic version of the drug Adcirca®. Mylan launched the first generic tadalafil in August.

How an individual with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is impacted by the availability of generic therapy may depend on factors such as what state they live in and what type of insurance they have. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) believes that patients’ needs and clinicians’ judgment should drive medical care. When navigating between brand and generic therapy, persons with PH may wish to consider questions such as these with their care teams:

  • How would my current out-of-pocket cost for this medication compare to my out-of-pocket responsibility for the generic equivalent?
  • Will my eligibility for copay assistance change when transitioning from brand to generic therapy?
  • If I currently benefit from support services such as a nursing hotline provided by a specialty pharmacy, drug manufacturer or other source, will the same services be available after a transition to generic therapy?
  • What is the difference between “Dispense as Written” and “Generic Substitution Permitted” prescriptions?
  • If my insurance company requires transition to the generic therapy, is my prescription written in a way that will allow me to do so without a disruption in my treatment?

More information is available on the PHA website or call 301-565-3004 x749.