Must the pharmacy or doctor offer me the generic version of my medicine?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Yes. Under the Generics Act of 1988 (RA 6675), doctors, dentists, and veterinarians must write prescriptions using the generic name of the drug (§6(b)) — a prescription is not supposed to force you into a specific brand. When you buy, drug outlets, drugstores, and hospital pharmacies must inform you of all other drug products that have the same generic name, together with their corresponding prices, so you can choose (§6(d)); pharmacies are also required to post a list of same-generic products and prices. The choice of which product to buy is yours, and the cheaper generic must be made available to you. This was reinforced by the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008 (RA 9502), which strengthened generic labelling and gave government the power to regulate maximum retail prices of certain drugs. If a pharmacy refuses to tell you the generic options or a doctor writes a brand-only prescription, that is a violation you can report to the FDA and DOH.
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Frequently asked
Does my doctor have to write the generic name?
Yes. RA 6675 §6(b) requires all medical, dental, and veterinary practitioners — including private practitioners — to write prescriptions using the generic name. The generic name must appear on the prescription; a brand may be indicated, but the prescription should not lock you into a single brand. A generic-only failure is a violation of the Generics Act.
Does the pharmacy have to show me cheaper generic options?
Yes. Under RA 6675 §6(d), drug outlets — including drugstores and hospital and non-hospital pharmacies — must inform any buyer of all other drug products with the same generic name together with their prices, and must post a list of same-generic products and prices, so you can exercise your choice. The decision of which brand or generic to buy is yours.
What if they won't offer the generic?
A pharmacy that hides cheaper generics, or a prescriber who writes brand-only, violates the Generics Act (RA 6675) as reinforced by the Cheaper Medicines Act (RA 9502). You can report the establishment or professional to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the DOH. Keep the prescription and receipt as evidence.
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