Do you know generic drugs (generic drugs)?

A generic drug is a drug that has the same active ingredients as the original drug sold after the patent for the original drug (new drug) expires.

• Point 1: It is generally cheaper and economical than the original drug.
  It leads to reduction of self-pay of everybody, improvement of Yokohama-shi National Health Insurance finance.
• Point 2: The efficacy and safety are almost the same as the original drug.
  The shape and color of the drug may differ from the original drug.
• Point 3: Not all drugs have generic drugs.
  Generic drugs may not be available depending on the doctor's treatment policy, medical institutions and pharmacies in stock.

If you would like a generic drug, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you switch to a generic drug, we will send you a "Notice on Generic Drugs" that calculates the difference in usage to Yokohama City National Health Insurance subscribers who may reduce the cost of the drug by a certain level.

※There is a shortage of supply for some generic drugs. Please consult with family doctor Pharmacists and consider switching to generics as much as possible. In addition, due to lack of supply, etc., a notice of the difference may be sent to those who have been forced to change from generic drugs to original drugs. Please note that it is difficult to remove specific drugs from the notification target, so we will send them uniformly.

• The difference notice is only a guide to the amount of money that can reduce the cost of medicine, and does not refund medical expenses at hospitals, pharmacies, ward offices, etc.
• The chemical to be notified in the difference notification is only an example. Some generic drugs have multiple types and prices. Also, please note that depending on the pharmacy, there may be no handling or switching may not be possible at the discretion of the doctor.
• The difference notice does not force you to switch generic drugs. Consult with family doctor or your pharmacist about switching and follow the instructions.

Please contact Insurance and Pension Division National Health Insurance Section in your ward office.