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Buy generic drugs save money
The generics are identical and bioequivalent to a branded drug. American individual buyers alone save about $10 billion dollars every year...

Date : Jun 12, 2006

The generics are identical and bioequivalent to a branded drug. American individual buyers alone save about $10 billion dollars every year.

The medicinal formulations which are exactly same as the branded ones in terms of the chemical composition, colour, taste, efficacy and in all respects can be classified as generic drugs. In other words, the generics are identical and bioequivalent to a branded drug.

But then why the generics are differentiated from the brand name drugs? The generic drugs are sold at substantial discounts compared to the branded formulations. According to the Office of Generic Drugs, part of Food and Drugs Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Americans save $8 to $10 billion dollars through the purchase of generics at the chemists' while more is saved in the purchase by hospitals.

Why branded drugs are priced higher is because of the fact that their manufacturers have to recover their investments put in the development of the drugs. The development of a drug involves research and development and advertising before it goes for manufacture and its marketing. This is protected under the patent provisions. The patent on any drug remains effective for 20 years after which the formulation is available to other manufacturers who have to follow exactly the same standards of production as the parent company.

Generic drugs cost 30% to 50% less than the brand name drugs. More than half of prescription drugs are generics. Generics are FDA approved for the assurance of customer who could be sure of the efficacy of the drug available.

The following conditions have been laid down by FDA for manufacture of generics. The drugs must

• contain the same active ingredients as the innovator drug
  (inactive ingredients may vary)
• be identical in strength, dosage, form, and route of administration
• have the same use indications
• be bioequivalent
• meet the same batch requirements for identity, strength, purity and quality be manufactured under the same strict standards of FDA's good
  manufacturing practice regulations required for innovator products

So next time you feel the need to buy as potent a drug as generic Viagra, save money. Buy generic Viagra or any generic drugs for that matter, be assured you are buying the same stuff as sold by a brand name with all the backing of a concerned and overcautious authority.

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