Until you get into healthcare... it can be confusing on prescriptions sometimes. Here is the breakdown (btw, I was trained as a Medical Assistant).

For our story, we will use a Drug named.... RRU96. ABC Company has been researching this great new drug they think may be able to help with Bipolar. They do clinical trials, animal testing... you name it. BUT, the day that they file a claim for the patent on that drug.... the day they showed the efficacy, (proof that it works)... They then have 17 years to make as much money as possible. Alot of that time is tied up in studies and trials. But eventually they determine it is ready to go to market and start making money. BUT... the name RRU96 isnt real catchy... (in real life.. this name is the equivalent of fluoxetine) It is usually a chemical name that they used in the labs... not for TV. This name is the generic name. ABC Company needs a a catchy name for this new drug they have been working on... so they settle on... Ryan Ryan is real catchy... goes on the TV commercials well... and is something people will remember. RRU96 is STILL the generic name... But RYAN is now the BRAND name... the marketing name. So.... Generic exists the whole time... But until that 17 years is up... nobody else can MAKE it. Once the 17 years is up... you have generics that become available. That is.. Companies can now make this great medicine but just have to use the Generic name... RRU96.

I am SO sorry if that is confusing... but.. maybe it can clear out some of the confusion.

A little side note.. generic medications have to have something changed up. They cannot be identical to their trade name (or brand name) counterpart. Generic medications will change the color... taste... anything to make it just different enough to be legal. BUT PLEASE, keep in mind that if you are sensitive to medications.. they do have an allowance if U think 10%+-. Meaning that if you are on a medication that is 10mg, if you opt for the Generic medication...It might be 9mg... it may be 11mg. Usually this is not a HUGE problem but some people do have sensitivities.

If you are currently not on ANY form of insurance and you are not able to get on Patient Assistance.. and are trying to save Every Single Dollar... call around to different pharmacies around you. The way a pharmacy will draw you in... is by offering a really cheap... popular medication. If that one medication is cheap at pharmacy xyz, ONLY GET THAT MED. Call all of your local pharmacies... and check each of your medications. If you explain the situation, they shouldnt have a problem, as long as it isnt Rush Hour.

:: okay.... I'll stop :: ....... for now