Are there differences between a brand-name drug and its generic alternative?
Yes. Although the active ingredients are identical, you may notice differences in such things as shape, packaging, fillers (such as colors and flavors), expiration time and, within certain limits, package labeling. To ensure generic drugs are just as effective and safe as their brand-name versions, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all drugs, both brand-name and generic drugs, meet the same requirements for quality, strength, purity and potency. Back to top Do generic drugs take longer to work? No. When a manufacturer wants to market a generic version of a drug, it must provide evidence to the FDA that the generic drug works in the body just like the brand-name drug, and within the same amount of time as the brand-name drug. Back to top Are generic drugs available for all brand-name drugs? No. Manufacturers can only produce generic drugs after the brand-name version of the drug loses its patent protection. Even after a patent expires, manufacturers may choose
Related Questions
- A non-preferred drug is a medication that has been determined to have an alternative drug available that is clinically equivalent. If I am taking a brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available, at what co-payment level will this drug be available?
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- Whats The Difference Between A Generic And A Brand-name Drug?
