You open your pill bottle and pause—
“This isn’t what my medication usually looks like.”
Instead of the round blue tablet you’re used to, it’s oval and white. You might wonder:
Did the pharmacy make a mistake? Did I get the wrong medication?
These are valid questions—and they come up often!
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we hear this concern frequently. The good news? In most cases, your medication is still the same—just a different version. Let’s break it down.
🏷️ Same Medication, Different Manufacturer
Most prescriptions today are filled with generic medications, which are FDA-approved versions of brand-name drugs. These generics:
✔️ Contain the same active ingredients
✔️ Work the same way in the body
✔️ Have the same strength and dosage
But here’s the catch:
Manufacturers are allowed to make generics look different—including the size, shape, and color of the tablet or capsule. This is totally normal and doesn’t affect how the medication works.
Why the change?
Pharmacies may receive stock from different manufacturers due to:
📦 Availability
💰 Insurance or cost coverage
🔁 Temporary supply chain changes
🤝 Contracts with wholesalers
These changes are often out of the pharmacy’s control, but we always check to ensure the medication is equivalent before dispensing it.
🔄 Common Medications That Vary in Appearance
Here are a few medications where color or shape differences are especially common:
Sertraline (Zoloft) – Blue, green, or white tablets
Metformin – May be round or oblong, white or pink
Lisinopril – Often found in white, pink, or peach tones
Gabapentin – Capsules can vary widely depending on manufacturer
So, if your pill looks different but is labeled the same, there’s a good chance it’s just a generic from a new manufacturer.
🔍 When to Double-Check
Even though it’s usually nothing to worry about, it’s always okay to ask. If your medication looks different than usual, and you’re not sure why, call your pharmacist.
We can:
✅ Confirm that the generic is equivalent
✅ Double-check the prescription and lot number
✅ Help you feel confident about taking your medication
💬 Your safety and peace of mind matter.
🗣️ Tip: Don’t Rely on Looks Alone
It’s a good habit to check the prescription label, not just the pill. Labels include the:
Medication name
Strength
Directions
Pharmacy contact info
These details help ensure you’re taking the right med, the right way. And if you’re caring for a loved one in a long-term care or assisted living setting, always flag any pill appearance changes to the care team or pharmacist right away.
When in Doubt, Ask
Medication changes can be confusing, especially when the pill in the bottle doesn’t match what you’ve seen before. But rest assured—generic meds may look different, and that’s usually no cause for concern.
Generic medications must meet the same FDA standards for:
Dosage
Strength
Route of administration
Safety & effectiveness
💬 If a pill ever looks unfamiliar, don’t guess—Mountain Care Pharmacy a call. We’re here to help you understand your meds, every step of the way.
