Interested in generics? We can help get you started.

A specialty generic medication is a generic version of a brand-name specialty medication. Like other specialty medications, it may require special handling, storage, monitoring or safety precautions. Some are taken by mouth, while others are given by injection or infusion. Because of these special needs, they are often managed through a specialty pharmacy.

A specialty generic medication works the same way as the brand-name medication. It contains the same active ingredient and has the same strength, dosage, safety, quality and expected results. It must meet the same U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards as the brand-name medication.

Not all specialty medications have a generic option. A generic version may become available after the brand-name medication's patent expires.

Specialty generic medications can vary in color, shape, size or packaging. They contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug. But some inactive ingredients, such as dyes, preservatives or fillers, may differ. These differences do not affect how the medication works. If you have allergies or notice side effects, talk with your pharmacist or provider.

Specialty generic medications meet the same FDA standards for safety, quality and effectiveness as brand-name drugs. They work the same way and provide the same clinical benefit.

Specialty generic medications may cost less because manufacturers don't have to repeat the research and clinical studies done for the brand-name medication. Competition among manufacturers can also help keep costs down.

Many people save money with specialty generics, but your out-of-pocket cost depends on your prescription benefits plan. Your CVS Specialty CareTeam can help you compare costs and understand your options. Get more information about financial assistance support.

Some specialty generics are available only through specialty pharmacies or require special monitoring programs. Specialty pharmacies help ensure proper handling, patient education and ongoing support.

As a CVS Specialty patient, you can get your specialty generics and other medication delivered to your home or office. You can also pick them up at any local CVS Pharmacy®* nationwide. Learn more about your delivery and pick up options.

Yes. Your CVS Specialty CareTeam can help with medication education, coverage and approval questions, transitioning to a generic medication, refills and treatment-related support. Chat live with your CareTeam.

Specialty generics are FDA‑approved versions of brand‑name drugs made from chemicals (often pills or capsules). Biosimilars are also FDA-approved, highly similar versions of biologic medications, both made from living cells. To learn more about biosimilars, visit our Biosimilars Patient Education Center.
You can learn more about specialty generics by visiting the Generic Drugs Patient Education Center at the FDA website for additional information.

Sometimes, your prescription benefit plan may cover a generic instead of a brand-name medication. In some cases, the brand may not be covered at all, or you may need to try the generic first before the prescription benefit plan will approve the brand.

These changes are a normal part of prescription coverage and can happen when new treatment options become available or when your prescription benefit plan updates its coverage. Coverage updates can vary by prescription benefit plan and timing. This means you may see changes sooner than others or may have different coverage for the same medication depending on your prescription benefit plan.

For some patients, generics may also offer a lower-cost option, depending on your coverage. When more than one generic is available, costs may be lower.

Your provider plays an important role in deciding if a generic medication is right for you. In many cases, your pharmacy and prescription benefit plan may also be involved.

Changes are usually based on your prescription benefit plan or state requirements. If a change happens, your provider will review your treatment and help determine what’s appropriate for your care.

It’s completely understandable to want to stay on a medication that’s working well. Generic medications are designed to provide the same clinical benefit as the brand-name version. If you have concerns, you should always talk with your provider before making any changes.

What may change is the medication’s name, appearance or packaging.

Depending on your prescription benefit plan, your cost or coverage may also change. Your CVS Specialty CareTeam can walk you through any differences, so you feel prepared before you start your new medication.

It depends. In some cases, your provider may write a prescription specifically for a generic medication. In other cases, your pharmacy may be able to dispense an FDA‑approved generic version of your medication based on your prescription and prescription benefit plan. Your pharmacy or provider can tell you if you need to do anything.

It depends on your prescription benefit plan. Some generic medications may be covered under an existing prior authorization, while others may require a new one. If your medication needs a prior authorization, your provider will work with your pharmacy and prescription benefit plan to handle this process for you. Contact your prescription benefit plan for more details.

Yes. If your prescription benefit plan makes a change, you may receive notice before the change happens. Your pharmacy may also contact your provider if you need a new prescription. If you have questions about a medication change, your pharmacist or provider can talk to you about what to expect.

If you are new to a specialty pharmacy, your CVS Specialty CareTeam will help guide you through next steps. This may include:

• Reviewing your prescription and insurance coverage
• Setting up medication delivery or pickup
• Explaining how to store and take your medication correctly
• Connecting you to available support and resources

Our CareTeam is available to answer questions and provide ongoing support. You can also visit Getting started with CVS Specialty for more information.

It depends. Many generic medications cost less than brand‑name medications, but your out‑of‑pocket cost depends on:

• Your prescription benefit plan
• Which medications are covered
• Any available financial assistance programs

Your CVS Specialty CareTeam can help explain how your coverage applies.

It depends. Some generic medications may have manufacturer or third‑party assistance programs available. Availability and eligibility vary by medication, insurance type and program rules. Reach out to your CVS Specialty CareTeam to explore available options.

Yes. Your CVS Specialty CareTeam can help connect you to:

• Manufacturer assistance programs
• Nonprofit or charitable foundations
• Other third‑party financial assistance and social needs resources

If approved, assistance may be available for a limited time and may require you to reapply. For more information, visit our financial assistance page.

Yes. Some nonprofit organizations and patient advocacy groups offer support for eligible patients, including help with out‑of‑pocket costs for medications. Availability depends on your condition, medication and funding status.

Your CVS Specialty CareTeam can help identify resources that may be available to you.

Prescription benefit plans vary. Some plans apply assistance programs toward your deductible or out‑of‑pocket maximum, while others may not.

It’s important to understand how your specific plan works. For questions about your coverage, contact your prescription benefit plan or speak with your CVS Specialty CareTeam.