It’s a question we hear all the time at Jones Drug Store, and it usually comes with the same tone of voice, somewhere between confused and a little suspicious.

And that’s okay. Ask us.

We would much rather answer a phone call, text, or question at the counter than have you take something you aren’t sure about.

So, why does your medication suddenly look different?

Most Often, It’s a Different Generic Manufacturer

One of the most common reasons is that your prescription was filled with the same generic medication from a different manufacturer.

FDA-approved generic medications must contain the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand-name product and meet FDA requirements, including bio-equivalence.

What can change are things like:

• Color
• Shape
• Size
• Coating
• Inactive ingredients
• Tablet or capsule markings

That means two companies can manufacture the same medication at the same strength, but one version may be a white oval tablet while another is small, round, and peach-colored.

Why Would the Manufacturer Change?

There are several common reasons.

Our Usual Product Was Unavailable

Generic medication supply changes constantly. A product that was easy to get a few months ago may suddenly be back-ordered or unavailable from our wholesaler.

A Manufacturer Discontinued Its Version

Drug manufacturers occasionally discontinue certain products or specific strengths, sometimes with little notice.

Another Equivalent Product Was Available

Pharmacies may purchase equivalent generic medications from different manufacturers based on availability, wholesaler supply, contracts, and cost.

So even if your prescription hasn’t changed, the company that made the tablet or capsule may have.

Sometimes the Prescription Really Did Change

A different-looking pill is not always just a manufacturer change.

Your prescriber may have changed:

• The medication
• The strength
• The dose
• The directions

That’s why it’s always a good idea to check the prescription label before taking the first dose.

Look at the medication name, strength, and directions and compare them with what you normally take.

If anything looks unfamiliar or unexpected, contact us before taking it.

Don’t Identify a Medication by Color Alone

Color, shape, and size can all vary between manufacturers, so appearance alone isn’t a reliable way to identify a medication.

The imprint or markings on a tablet or capsule are important identifiers, but if something doesn’t look right, don’t rely only on an online pill identifier or your memory.

Let us verify it.

At Jones Drug Store, we can compare what you received with your dispensing history, check the manufacturer, and verify what was filled.

What Should You Do If Your Pill Looks Different?

First, don’t panic.

We have multiple checks behind the pharmacy counter designed to make sure the medication your provider prescribed is the medication that ends up in your bottle.

But we’re human, too.

If your medication looks different and you weren’t expecting a change, don’t take the next dose until you’ve verified it with the pharmacy.

Bring the bottle and medication to Jones Drug Store or contact us with a clear picture if that option is available to you. We can look up:

• What medication was dispensed
• Which manufacturer made it
• What you received previously
• Whether your prescription or strength changed

A quick check can usually clear things up.

Quick Questions We Hear

Does a different-looking pill mean it’s a different medication?

Not necessarily. A different generic manufacturer can change the color, shape, size, coating, or imprint while the medication itself remains equivalent.

Is one generic manufacturer better than another?

FDA-approved generic medications must meet applicable FDA standards. However, inactive ingredients can vary, which may matter for people with certain allergies or sensitivities.

Should I take it if I’m not sure?

No. If a medication looks different and you weren’t expecting a change, contact the pharmacy and let us verify it first.

When in Doubt, Ask Us

You are never wasting our time by asking why your medication looks different.

At Jones Drug Store, we’d much rather take a few minutes to verify your prescription than have you take something you’re unsure about.

If your pill suddenly looks different, bring it in, give us a call, or contact our pharmacy team.

When in doubt, don’t guess. Ask your pharmacist.