Facts About Generic Drugs

Generic drugs are the same as brand-name drugs in safety, strength, quality, dosage, and function. They are just as safe as brand-name drugs, and they use the same active ingredients, so they have the same risks and benefits. The FDA requires generic drugs to be of the same high quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs. The same regulations apply to generic manufacturers, so the facilities and manufacturing processes must meet the same high standards.

Generic drugs look different from brand-name drugs because of trademark laws. Colors and flavors may be different, but the active ingredients are the same. Although the generic drug looks differently from the brand-name drug, the generic drug works the same because it is the active ingredient that is the key component.

Not every brand-name drug has a generic drug counterpart. When new drugs are first made, they have drug patents, which keep generic drug manufactures from selling the generic version for 17 years. Once the patent expires, drug manufacturers may make the drug and begin selling it after FDA approval.

Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs because the cost of creating a drug is very high. Generic drug manufacturers do not have the expense of developing the drug from scratch. Therefore, the cost to bring it to market is much less. In turn, you pay less to buy it.

If you are taking brand-name drugs, you may want to consider its generic alternative. It will save you money whilst providing the same safety, strength, quality, dosage, and function. When shopping for over-the-counter medications, read the labels. Compare the active ingredients of the brand-name with its generic counterpart. Remember, it is the active ingredient which makes the brand-name drug and generic drug equivalent.