Edwin, Since I had a massive headache yesterday, let me ask you to clarify what you meant by "non-preferred generic" versus the one that costs $250 more.

There are both non-preferred generics and brands. So that makes for four categories. Some insurance companies may have even more categories than that, with multiple tiers of drugs, preferences and their costs.

I wasn't certain if you were referring to a preferred brand drug costing $250 more or a preferred generic drug costing more.

It's your body and your money and only you can decide - with your doctor - what is best for you. It does help to speak to a pharmacist too, as Mrs. D will tell you.

Maurice and Celeste, I'm not trying to be contrary here. The latest studies on drugs, however, shows very clear differences even between generics! And brands too. That includes strength, quality, time before expiration and, yeah, cost. The exact drug formulation is not the same between brands and generics.

For example, take Keflex/Cephalexin. One of the generics, the preferred one, I can't tolerate. I nearly puke while swallowing it. My doctor prescribes one of the brands. Due to my particular history (which is different for everyone), I need to be consistent in my drug choices. Beyond that, there is a difference in effectiveness between some of the Cephalexin generics.

Steroids have been around a long time, just like Keflex. But that does not mean that they are all exactly the same. If you don't have any problems, that's great for you! I was simply trying to be informative. It's up to you, Edwin, to make your own decisions!

Annie