Generic Drugs
What are generic drugs?
Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
Why are generic drugs cheaper?
Is generic Cialis as the same as a brand-name Cialis?
Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than
generic drugs?
If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active
ingredients, why do they look different?
Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
Where can I get more information about generic drugs?
What are generic drugs?
A generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name
drug in:
- quality,
- safety,
- dosage,
- strength,
- how it is taken,
- performance and
- intended use.
[top]
Are generic drugs as safe as
brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires that
all drugs be safe and effective. Generic drugs are safe,
effective and
FDA approved. Since generics use the same active
ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body,
they have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name
counterparts.
[top]
Are generic drugs as strong as
brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality,
strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.
[top]
Do generic drugs take longer to
work in the body?
No. Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same
amount of time as brand-name drugs.
[top]
Why are generic drugs less
expensive (cheap)?
Generic drugs are cheaper because generic
manufacturers don’t have the investment costs of the
developer of a new drug. New drugs are developed under
patent protection. The patent protects the investment -
including research, development, marketing, and promotion -
by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while
it is in effect. As patents near expiration, manufacturers
can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. Because those
manufacturers don’t have the same development costs, they
can sell their product at substantial discounts. Also, once
generic drugs are approved, there is greater competition,
which keeps the price down. Today, almost half of all
prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.
[top]
Is generic Cialis as the same as a
brand-name Cialis?
A
generic Cialis is a copy that is the same as a
brand-name Cialis, but it is much cheaper.
[top]
If brand-name drugs and generic
drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look
different?
In the United States, trademark laws do not allow a
generic drug to look exactly like the brand-name drug.
However, a generic drug must duplicate the active
ingredient. Colors, flavors, and certain other inactive
ingredients may be different.
[top]
Does every brand-name drug have a
generic counterpart?
No. Brand-name drugs are generally given patent
protection for 20 years from the date of submission of the
patent. This provides protection for the innovator who laid
out the initial costs (including research, development, and
marketing expenses) to develop the new drug. However, when
the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce
competitive generic versions, but only after they have been
thoroughly tested by the manufacturer and approved by the
FDA.
[top]
Are brand-name drugs made in more
modern facilities than generic drugs?
No. Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must
meet the same standards of good manufacturing practices. FDA
won’t permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. FDA
conducts about 3,500 inspections a year to ensure standards
are met. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those
of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms are linked to
an estimated 50 percent of generic drug production. They
frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name
drugs but sell them without the brand name.
[top]
Where can I get more information
about generic drugs?
The Food and Drug Administration has a toll-free hotline to
answer questions about drug safety and efficacy. Call
1-800-532-4440. You can also visit the
FDA website at for more information.
[top]
External links:
FDA:
Consumer Education: Generic Drugs
Cialis (tadalafil) Information Page by FDA |
