What are generic drugs?
Generic drugs are identical, or “bioequivalent” to brand-name drugs – in dosage, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically the same as their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.
Generic drugs are brand name drugs that have expired their patent protection, when a drug company first invents a drug that company is the only one allowed to make that drug in the same country for a certain number of years. Because of this, generic manufacturers are allowed to produce the exact same medication as the brand name manufacturer. These drugs are called generics. Legislation requires that the exact chemical formula be used to create the generic drug. 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 a different company makes them. But works in exactly the same way. There is no difference between a brand drug and its generic equivalent.
Generic drugs are medications that contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts as brand-name products, although generics may be a different color, shape or size. Generic drugs are medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective. A generic drug can be substituted for a brand-name drug when rated as an equivalent by the FDA and where permitted by law and the prescriber.
