Brand Name Drugs: What They Are, Why They Cost More, and What Alternatives Exist

When you hear brand name drugs, original medications developed and marketed by pharmaceutical companies under a proprietary name. Also known as proprietary drugs, they’re the first version of a medicine to hit the market after years of research and clinical trials. These are the pills you see advertised on TV—like Adalat, Proscare, or Zyvox—each with a catchy name and a price tag that often shocks people. But here’s the thing: once the patent runs out, the exact same drug becomes a generic drug, a chemically identical version sold without the brand name. Also known as nonproprietary drugs, they work the same way, have the same side effects, and cost a fraction of the original. The difference isn’t in the medicine—it’s in the label, the packaging, and the marketing budget.

So why do brand name drugs cost so much? It’s not because they’re better. It’s because the company that made them spent millions developing the drug, running tests, and getting FDA approval. They get a 20-year patent to recoup those costs and make a profit. During that time, no one else can legally sell the same drug. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers jump in, and prices drop fast. That’s why you can buy generic warfarin, metformin, or claritin for pennies compared to the brand versions. But here’s what most people don’t realize: even after generics arrive, some doctors still prescribe the brand name—sometimes out of habit, sometimes because of patient pressure, and occasionally because of subtle marketing tactics from drug companies.

That’s where drug patents, legal protections that give manufacturers exclusive rights to sell a drug. Also known as patent exclusivity, they shape the entire landscape of medication access come into play. Some companies stretch patents by making tiny changes to the drug—like switching from a tablet to a capsule—and call it a new product. This delays generics and keeps prices high. Meanwhile, patients are left choosing between affordability and what’s written on the prescription. The good news? You don’t have to accept the first option. Many of the posts below break down exactly how brand name drugs like Adalat, Proscare, or Zyvox stack up against their cheaper, equally effective alternatives. You’ll find real comparisons on side effects, dosing, cost, and when it actually makes sense to stick with the brand. Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, hair loss, or an infection, knowing the difference between brand name drugs and their generic twins can save you hundreds—or even thousands—every year.