What are generic drugs?

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 expires, 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.

Generally, more than one manufacturer creates the generic version, although in many cases the same pharmaceutical firm that produces the brand name drug also makes the generic version. This prompts competitive pricing of the generic version and usually results in a less expensive drug.

Generic drugs are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts. These are the very companies that manufacture and export in bulk the drug that goes in to the making of the world's best-selling brands in US and Europe .

Generic drugs are held to the same rigid standards as the brand name drug as dictated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 45% of U.S. prescriptions today are filled with generic drugs.

The main reason that generic drugs cost less is that the manufacturers of generic drugs do not have the same development cost. They sell their drugs at substantial discount. The second vital reason for the cheap price of generic drug is competition. Once they are approved; there is greater competition, which keeps the price down.

Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs. By choosing a generic equivalent, you can save a significant amount of money and you won't compromise on quality. Generic equivalent medications typically cost 30-60% less than their brand-name counterparts.

Under the FDA's regulations, a generic drug must always be made with the same active ingredients as its brand-name counterpart. 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.

Generic drugs- safety and efficacy May 16, 2007 Often hailed as the lifeline of standard class, the kingdom of generic drugs spreads over almost fifty percent drugs available in the market....