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1. What
are generic drugs?
Generic drugs
are drugs that can be used in place of brand
name drugs because the same ingredients are
available in the same strength and dosage. They
are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
and almost always cost less than the brand name
drug.
2. Are
generic drugs as safe and effective as
brand-name drugs?
Yes. According
to the FDA, generic drugs are just as safe and
effective as brand-name drugs. They will work
the same way in the body as their brand-name
counterpart. With generics you receive the same
quality as brand-name, with lower cost.
3. Why do
brand-name and generic drugs look different?
They look
different because the generic companies make the
pills in different shapes and colors.
Nevertheless, the active chemical ingredients,
which make the drug work are identical.
4. How can
generic drugs be less expensive?
According to
the Congressional Budget Office, "Generic drugs
save consumers an estimated $8 to $10 billion a
year at retail pharmacies." When a brand-name
drug cpmes off patent other drug manufacturers
can make and market the drug with the same
chemical ingredients. Generic drugs are
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.
(Source: FDA Office of Generic Drugs.)
5. Is there
a source for information about generic drugs?
The FDA
provides full information about every approved
drug on its web site, including what a drug is
used for, side effects and any warnings. The
information can be found at:
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/default.htm |
