Brand name drugs versus their generic versions

Generic drugs are copies of branded medications that have exactly the same dose, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and efficacy as the original medication.

A lot of people have doubts about the potency of generic medications, since the latter are often a lot cheaper than branded versions. They would like to know if the quality and potency have been lowered to make less expensive medications. Generic medications are required to be as safe and potent as branded drugs. In fact, the lower cost of generic drugs is explained by the fact that the producers have not had the expenses of developing and promoting a new drug to the pharmaceutical market.

When a company introduces a new drug to the pharmaceutical market, the business has already spent a considerable amount of money on scientific research, development, marketing and forwarding of the medication. The producer that develops the drug is granted a patent - an exclusive right to sell the drug as long as the patent is in force. By the end of the expiration date of the patent, producers can ask the FDA for a permit to make and sell generic versions of the drug. Without the startup costs for development of the medication, producers can afford to produce and sell it cheaper. Because of the competition on the pharmaceutical market the price can also reduce.

The standards for all medication producing facilities are the same, and many manufacturers make both brand name and generic medications. In fact, half of generic drug production is made by brand name producers. Generic medications may at times be shaped differently than branded names, such as a generic tablet versus a brand name capsule. Still, they have the same active ingredients and are manufactured under the same standards as branded drugs.

According to the U.S. Trademark law, generic drugs are not allowed to look exactly like brand name drugs. Colors, flavors and other inactive and inert ingredients, such as fillers, may vary.