WMBD/WYZZ - PEORIA -- Some people spend thousands of dollars a year on medicine.

Whether it's over-the-counter or prescription drugs you're buying, you don't have to break the bank to get healthy.  

Bernice Heppner is like most Americans these days.  She’s trying to save money during tough economic times.  She and her husband are on a fixed income  When she goes to the pharmacy, she doesn't hesitate to buy generic drugs.

“We try and buy generic because you save a lot of money. You save a lot of money and it's the same drug,” Heppner said.

 Pharmacist Jennifer Hughes said Heppner is right.  But she said there's still a big misconception about buying anything other than a name-brand product.

“I think a lot of it has to due with being passed down over the years. Their parents always told them it was better quality if you took the brand,” Hughes said.

Hughes said there's really no difference between name brand and generic drugs.  She said the only difference often times is the color or shape of the pill.

“They are just as safe. There's the same active ingredient, same FDA approval,” Hughes said.  “It's just they don't have to pay for the research and development because a patent has already been off of the brand name so they can just pick up and start with the production.”

Many times it's even the same manufacturer making the brand name and generic drugs.  Hughes said the manufacturer just puts a store brand label on one of the products, and a much lower price tag.  There's a generic for almost everything... From cold medicine...pain reliever and even medicine to help a person kick the habit.

Savings depends on the type of medicine. Sometimes it is just a few bucks.  Sometimes it’s a lot more.  But no matter what, i's money in your pocket.  It’s a savings many shoppers realize right away.

Your savings don't have to stop with just over-the-counter medicine.  Generics are available for prescription medicines, too... And that's where the savings can really add up.

“As far as the prescription medication, you can save $100 going to a generic prescription medication where the name brand is going to cost you over 100,” said Hughes.

Bottom line, generics are a cheap alternative to keeping you and your pocketbook health.
Many pharmacies offer their own generic prescription drug plans now for just a few dollars.  Check to see if that might work out for you, depending on your health insurance coverage.