10 Expensive Brand-Name Drugs With Cheap Generic Alternatives
Many Canadians overpay for brand-name medications when affordable generics are available. Here are 10 common drugs where switching to generic can save you 70% or more.
Stop Overpaying for Prescriptions
Millions of Canadians take brand-name medications every day when identical generics are available at a fraction of the price. In many cases, pharmacies dispense the generic automatically — but not always. If your prescription specifies "no substitution" or you have not asked about alternatives, you could be paying four to five times more than necessary.
Here are 10 of the most commonly prescribed brand-name drugs in Canada and their generic equivalents.
1. Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Used for: High cholesterol
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Lipitor (brand) | $170 - $195 |
| Atorvastatin (generic) | $28 - $42 |
| Annual savings | $510 - $612 |
2. Synthroid (Levothyroxine)
Used for: Hypothyroidism
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Synthroid (brand) | $55 - $75 |
| Levothyroxine (generic) | $14 - $22 |
| Annual savings | $132 - $212 |
3. Losec (Omeprazole)
Used for: Acid reflux, GERD
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Losec (brand) | $140 - $165 |
| Omeprazole (generic) | $22 - $35 |
| Annual savings | $420 - $520 |
4. Norvasc (Amlodipine)
Used for: High blood pressure
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Norvasc (brand) | $110 - $130 |
| Amlodipine (generic) | $15 - $25 |
| Annual savings | $340 - $420 |
5. Zoloft (Sertraline)
Used for: Depression, anxiety
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Zoloft (brand) | $130 - $150 |
| Sertraline (generic) | $25 - $38 |
| Annual savings | $368 - $448 |
6. Glucophage (Metformin)
Used for: Type 2 diabetes
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Glucophage (brand) | $85 - $100 |
| Metformin (generic) | $14 - $22 |
| Annual savings | $252 - $312 |
7. Altace (Ramipril)
Used for: High blood pressure, heart failure
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Altace (brand) | $120 - $140 |
| Ramipril (generic) | $20 - $32 |
| Annual savings | $352 - $432 |
8. Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
Used for: High cholesterol
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Crestor (brand) | $165 - $190 |
| Rosuvastatin (generic) | $30 - $45 |
| Annual savings | $480 - $580 |
9. Nexium (Esomeprazole)
Used for: Acid reflux, GERD, ulcers
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Nexium (brand) | $175 - $210 |
| Esomeprazole (generic) | $28 - $42 |
| Annual savings | $532 - $672 |
10. Diovan (Valsartan)
Used for: High blood pressure
| Version | 90-Day Cost |
|---|---|
| Diovan (brand) | $115 - $135 |
| Valsartan (generic) | $22 - $35 |
| Annual savings | $320 - $400 |
Total Potential Savings
If you switched just two of these medications from brand to generic, you could save $500 to $1,200 per year. For a household where multiple family members take prescription medications, the annual savings can reach several thousand dollars.
How to Find Out If a Generic Exists
Common Myths Debunked
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Generics are lower quality | They meet identical Health Canada standards |
| Generics do not work as well | Bioequivalence testing proves they do |
| My doctor prefers the brand | Most doctors support generic substitution |
| Generics have more side effects | Same active ingredient means same side effect profile |
Ready to save on your prescriptions?
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