Looking for ways to save money and stretch your dollars a little further? If you currently take a brand-name prescription drug, switching to an equally effective generic may save you money on your prescription costs.

Today’s shoppers may equate brand-name products with better, higher quality. However, this isn’t always the case with prescription drugs. The primary difference between generic and brand-name drugs is the price. Both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and meet the agency’s strict standards for quality, strength, purity, stability and safety.

“With an average copay of less than $10, generic drugs offer one of the greatest values in the market today—we just need to get the word out,” said Patrick Robinson, RPh, MBA, pharmacy director at Sutter Health Plus. “When drug costs are reasonable, research shows that patients are more likely to fill and take their prescription drugs.”

By taking the time to talk to your doctor about your prescriptions and comparing the price of a generic version of your brand-name drug, you may save on your prescription costs without compromising quality.