What are generic drugs?
A generic drug must contain the same active ingredients (the specific chemical ingredient that makes the drugs work) and be equivalent in strength, and dosage to the original brand-name product. The inactive ingredients are used only as additives for color, flavor, binding, or to bulk drugs. By choosing a generic medication, you can save a significant amount of money.
When a drug company first invents a drug (e.g. Viagra) that company is the only one allowed to make that drug for a certain limited time. After this time period, other companies are allowed to make the same drug. These drugs are called generics. The original drug (e.g. Viagra) is called a brand name drug. Brand name drugs and their generics are IDENTICAL in terms of active ingredients. The generic pills may look different (because they are made by a different company) but inside is exactly the same active ingredient, which works in exactly the same way. The only difference between brand name drugs and generic drugs is that generics are always less expensive.
A. “A generic drug is identical, or the 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.
