According to the Generic Pharmaceutical Association the average price for a brand name drug in 2006 was $111, whereas the cost for the average generic drug was $32. That is an average saving of $79 per prescription when a generic drug is substituted. There are thousands of generic drugs available that can be used if your physician allows for substitution of generics. This web site only includes a special group of several hundred that are deeply discounted. Since 2006 many different pharmacy and grocery stores have started to offer deeply discounted generic drugs. Walmart was the first to offer several hundred drugs for $4 for a 30 day supply and $10 for a 90 day supply. Currently over 10 major pharmacy chains offer a similar discount.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure that generic drugs are manufactured with the same high standards as brand name drugs. Generic drugs have the same strength and safety as brand name drugs. For more details about generic safety and other related topics we refer you to About.com

Another way to save money with brand name and generic drugs is to see if the tablet can be cut in half. If the dose of medication you are supposed to be on is, for example, 40 mg and a 80 mg pill can be cut in half, you will save 50%. Most pharmacies will supply you with a pill cutter for almost nothing. Not all pills have a crease or are "scored" and easy to cut in half.
Discuss this with your physician or pharmacist.