Drugs by Generic Availability
About 95% of prescription drugs tracked here have generic alternatives. The other brand-only drugs, though fewer in number, drive most Medicare Part D spending.
Generic Available
Drugs with generic alternatives — potential savings for patients
No Generic Available
Brand-name only drugs with no generic alternative — patent-protected
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic drugs typically cost 80–95% less than the brand-name original. Once multiple generic manufacturers enter the market, competition drives prices down quickly.
Yes. The FDA requires generics to demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand-name drug, meaning they deliver the same active ingredient at the same rate to the same site of action. Labeling and inactive ingredients may differ.
Brand-only drugs are typically still under patent, under FDA market exclusivity, or are biologics for which biosimilars (not exact generics) are the closest equivalent. See our generic watch for upcoming launches.
Approximately 95% of drugs tracked by DrugPrice have a generic alternative available. The remaining brand-only drugs account for a disproportionate share of total drug spending.
Related
Generic availability reflects whether at least one FDA-approved generic version exists as of the most recent Orange Book update.