Generic Drugs vs. Brand Name Drugs

Generic. When you hear this word you often associate it with not as good, cheap, or a knock off of something that is similar but not as good. Considering these thoughts, are generic drugs a bad thing or a good thing when compared to brand name drugs. Over the next few paragraphs we will explain what it takes for manufacturers to make generic drugs, how they are approved by the government for sale and use, and why there is nothing to worry about when considering generic drugs versus brand name drugs.

Generic Drugs are prescription medications that the US Federal Drug Administration, or FDA, has determined to have the same quality as brand-name drugs, but at a cheaper price. In fact, if you’ve had a prescription filled recently there’s a good chance that you are taking a generic drug. Almost 80% of prescription drugs sold are generic, which helps save patients, hospitals and insurance company billions of dollars each year.

The big question is how does the FDA ensure that a drug meets the same standards as a brand name drug? The criteria they consider that matters to you as the patient are:

• The drug can be taken in the same way as the brand name drug
• The drug is taken for the same reason as the brand name drug
• It must have the same active ingredient as the brand name drug
• It must be the same strength as the brand name drug
• It must have the same use and effect as the brand name drug
• It must be taken in the same way as the brand name drug (pill, inhaler, liquid, etc)
• It must have the ability to reach the required level in your bloodstream at the right time for the same extent
• It must meet testing standards

Well, that is great, but what is the difference between a generic drug and brand name drug? Generics may differ in the following:

• Shape
• Color
• Packaging
• Labeling (minor differences)
• They may have different inactive ingredients such as flavor, color or preservatives. The inactive ingredients in a generic drug must be consider safe by the FDA.

When you think about the price difference you have to wonder how the drug manufacturers are able to make money pay for research, development, advertising, and distribution. The FDA has set up policies to allow drug manufacturers the ability to recoup these costs by providing them with patent protection when they are first sold. These patents give the brand name manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and sell the drugs for a limited time, with an average patent protection time of 12 years. When the patent period ends, other companies can then manufacture and sell a generic version which they can do for a lower price.

Generic drugs introduce the possibility of multiple manufacturers producing the same drug, thereby creating a more competitive pricing environment to benefit the end user.

So, are generic drugs as effective as brand-name drugs? In short the answer is absolutely yes. If you have any questions about generic drugs do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Also, here is a link to the FDA’s Drug Resources Questions and Answers with official clarification from the US government.