Frequently asked question of Generic drugs

What are generic drug?
Generic drugs may be defined as a counterpart to branded drug sharing the same quality, strength, safety, dosage etc….the only difference between the two lies in their price and looks. The generic drugs are identified by their chemical name. Once the patent on brand name drugs has expired, the FDA allows manufacturers other than the original developer to create a bioequivalent of the brand name drug and make it available to the public.

How do generics differ from their equivalent brand-name drugs?
The major point of Difference between generic drugs and brand-name drugs is that generics may contain different inactive ingredients, such as fillers and dyes. Inactive ingredients can give a drug its color and size. Also, generic drugs have a different shape from its brand-lowering medication manufactured by name equivalent.

These differences affect how the drug looks and do not affect the effectiveness of the drug. However, a small number of people may react to these inactive ingredients. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about any possible side effects that you may experience. Even though generics may differ in color, size, or shape, they must contain the same active ingredients as the original brand name drug. They must also be equivalent in strength and dosage and be expected to produce the same effect in the body as the original brand-name drug.

Are generic drugs available for all brand-name drugs?
No. Many brand-name products are patent protected and are only supplied by one manufacturer. As patents for brand-name products expire, other manufacturers have the opportunity to gain FDA approval to market a generic drug of their own. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for the availability of a generic drug.

Are generic drugs as good as brand name drugs?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generic drugs are chemically equivalent and bioequivalent to their brand name counterparts. This means that the generic drug contains the same ingredients and that these ingredients will act the same in your body so that your medical condition is treated just as well as it would be with the brand name drugs. The FDA stringently enforces its rating policies on generic drugs to ensure safety and efficacy. Additionally, most companies that manufacture generic drugs also manufacture brand name drugs.

What about side effects of generic drugs?
Since the active ingredients of generic drugs are same as branded drugs, there perilous consequences are also somewhat similar. But that doesn't necessarily mean that a generic drug will be identical in every aspect to its brand-name equivalent. Because of the differences in inactive ingredients, rarely, you may have a reaction to your new medication. In most cases, however, your body will not react any differently. You and your doctor should make the final decision about what's best for your health and medical treatment.

What if I request a brand name drug for which there is a generic equivalent?
You may still obtain the brand name version of a generically available medication, but you will be responsible for a larger portion of its cost.

Do generic drugs take longer to work?
No. Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs.

How does the FDA ensure that my generic drug is as safe and effective as the brand-name drug?
The FDA ensures that all generic drugs are put through a rigorous, multi-step review process that includes a review of scientific data on the generic drug's ingredients and performance. The FDA also conducts periodic inspections of the manufacturing plant and monitors drug quality — even after the generic drug has been approved.

Why should I use a generic drug?
Generic drugs can provide real value. Generic drugs usually cost from 30-75 percent less than their brand-name counterparts, and, since the FDA is very strict about approving generic drugs, you can be assured that the generic drug you receive is a safe and effective alternative to the brand-name drug.

How do I get a generic drug?
Ask your pharmacist or doctor to better understand the generic choices available to you. Your physician will likely prescribe a generic drug or will refer to a drug by the brand-name. If the brand-name drug has a generic equivalent, in most cases your pharmacist can switch your prescription to the generic drug when you have it filled. Your pharmacist will tell you if your doctor should be consulted before changing to a generic drug.