You'll see more top-selling drugs go generic in 2016.

But don't expect drastic price drops initially...the first generic usually has 180-day exclusivity before other generics come out.

Prepare patients for these switches. Explain these are best-guess release dates...they can change due to legal maneuverings, etc.

OxyContin (oxycodone ER)...available now. But advise patients generics are only out for the 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg tabs so far.

Gleevec (imatinib)...February. This could be a game changer for certain leukemias...since the brand costs about $10,000/month.

Crestor (rosuvastatin)...May. This is big...it's the only high-intensity statin besides atorvastatin. Consider rosuvastatin if interactions or muscle problems are an issue with atorvastatin.

Nuvigil (armodafinil)...June. Explain armodafinil may last longer than modafinil...but there's no proof it's better or safer.

Suggest either option for shift workers if nondrug treatments (sleep hygiene, etc) and caffeine aren't enough.

Benicar (olmesartan)...October. It will join a handful of other generic ARBs. Pick one based on payer preference.

ProAir HFA (albuterol)...December. Explain this generic will NOT be equivalent to Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, or ProAir RespiClick. Encourage prescribers to write "albuterol HFA" to give you flexibility.

Zetia (ezetimibe)...December or early 2017. Suggest saving ezetimibe as an add-on for high-risk patients who can't tolerate a high-intensity statin.

For patients on Vytorin, consider suggesting generic ezetimibe plus a generic statin instead...at least until Vytorin goes generic.

Also look for Basaglar in late 2016. It's a new BRAND of insulin glargine that will be similar to Lantus...NOT a generic or biosimilar.