Generic Oral Contraceptives: Keeping Savings in Women's Pockets

Growing use of generic birth control pills reduces costs substantially, but further savings are still possible.

In the U.S., >95% of oral contraceptive (OC) formulations are available as generics. To assess use of generic OCs and the associated out-of-pocket savings, investigators used a nationally representative federal survey from 2010 through 2014 that encompassed almost 20,000 OC prescriptions among some 3000 women (median age, 28; 76% white; 20% Hispanic).

During the study period, prescription of generics increased from 73% to 82% of all OCs prescribed. For generic versus branded OCs, average out-of-pocket annual costs per person per year were $59.53 versus $117.15 (total costs, $163.24 vs. $427.06). The proportion of OC prescriptions with no copay rose from 14% (prior to the Affordable Care Act [ACA] contraception mandate) to 47% (after the mand…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Generic Oral Contraceptives: Keeping Savings in Women's Pockets

Topics

Reviewing Author