There's no doubt about it -- generic formulas of medications can save users a lot of money. And while some medicines such as Lipitor aren't "going generic" this year, there are some other commonly used meds that are.
Here's a list of some of the brandname medicines that will be available in generic formulas this year along with the conditions they treat and the approximate time they'll be available.
Toprol® XL
Generic name: metoprolol extended release
Treats high blood pressure (second quarter)
Ambien®
Generic name: zolpidem
Treats insomnia (second quarter)
Paxil® CR
Generic name: paroxetine controlled release
Treats depression (third quarter)
Prilosec® 40mg
Generic name: meprazole 40mg delayed release
Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (fourth quarter)
Coreg®
Generic name: carvedilol
Treats high blood pressure (fourth quarter)
Norvasc®
Generic name: amlodipine
Treats high blood pressure (fourth quarter)
Precose®
Generic name: acarbose
Treats Type 2 diabetes (fourth quarter)
Source: Premera Blue Cross
