Q. Insurers require us to use generic drugs. My wife and I both take Ambien when we travel, which is quite often.
If we were buying brand name Ambien, it would cost us over $350 out of pocket for 30 pills. Our insurance would not pay a penny.
The generic zolpidem costs $8 to $10 for the same number of pills. We have found that one generic works just like the brand name, but a different maker’s generic doesn’t work at all.
So far, we’ve been able to request the specific maker we prefer from the pharmacy. But we worry that if the pharmacy can’t supply the one that works, we might get no sleep at all on our journeys. Do you have any recommendations about how to deal with this problem?
A. Like hundreds of other readers, you have discovered that generic drugs are not all “identical.” Despite reassurances from the FDA, some generic manufacturers seem to provide better products than others.
Your strategy to request the generic that works for you is sensible. This approach may require planning ahead, since the pharmacy might have to place a special order for you.
We have other tips on using generic drugs wisely and guidelines for buying medicines online in our brochure, Saving Money on Medicine. You will also learn how the FDA has relied on the honor system to monitor drug quality.
