Words To Know 

Generic: A generic drug is a safe and effective alternative to a brand-name medication. Generic medications are required to have the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts.

Preferred Brand: A preferred brand drug is a prescription brand medicine that has been chosen by CVS Caremark because of its clinical effectiveness, safety and low cost. Typically, preferred brand drugs do not have a generic alternative.

Non-Preferred Brand: A non-preferred brand drug is a prescription brand medicine for which a generic or preferred brand alternative may exist.

Keep in mind that drugs can move from one category to another throughout the year.