A generic drug is identical -- or bioequivalent -- to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.
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A generic drug is identical -- or bioequivalent -- to a brand
name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of
administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended
use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their
branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial
discounts from the branded price.A generic drug is the same as a
brand-name drug in:dosagesafetystrengthqualitythe way it worksthe
way it is takenthe way it should be used
What is Generic Medicines?
Two out of every three prescriptions filled are generic.
Generics are available for almost every health problem from asthma
to heart disease to diabetes.Brand-name and generic pills work
exactly the same. You might get more by spending more when it comes
to computers or cars. But when you get a generic drug, youre
getting exactly the same medicine that is in the expensive
brand-name drugDoctors know that generic drugs are just as good as
the brand-name drug if they are available. If your doctor writes a
brand-name drug on your prescription, ask him if there is a generic
drug you can use instead. Your doctor and local pharmacist want you
to get medicine that is safe, effective, and affordable. In most
cases, generics are the best option when you compare price and
quality. That is why two out of three prescriptions fi lled are for
generic drugs.
Common Facts
Myth #1:Generics take longer to act in the body
Fact:The firm seeking to sell a generic drug must show that its
drug delivers the same amount of active ingredient in the same time
frame as the original product. Myths About Generic Drugs
Myth #2:Generics are not as potent as brand-name drugs.
Fact:FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires generics to
have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as
brand-name drugs. Myths About Generic Drugs
Myth #3:Generics are not as safe as brand-name drugs
Fact: FDA requires that all drugs be safe and effective and that
their benefits outweigh their risks. Since generics have same
active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body,
they have the same risk-benefit as their brand-name counterparts.
Myths About Generic Drugs
Myth #4:Brand-name drugs are made in modern manufacturing
facilities, and generics are often made in substandard
facilities.Fact:The FDA wont permit drugs to be made in substandard
facilities. The FDA conducts about 3,500 inspections a year in all
firms to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities
comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms
account for an estimated 50% of generic drug production. They
frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but
sell them without the brand name.
Myths About Generic Drugs
Myth #5:Generic drugs are likely to cause more side effects.
Fact:There is no evidence of this. The FDA monitors reports of
adverse drug reactions and has found no difference in the rates
between generic and brand-name drugs.
Myths About Generic Drugs
Myth #6:Generic drugs are not good as they are Low priced.
Fact: A generic drug is pharmaceutically equivalent to branded
medicines.
