Generic Drugs vs. Brand Name Drugs

Generic vs Brand

A generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use.

What is the difference between a Generic and Name-Brand Drug?

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers market brand name drugs under a specific trade name. When the manufacturer is the only source for the product it usually suggests a Name Brand Drug while in some countries around the world a generic alternative is more easily available and for far less. The active ingredients contained in the generic drug are the same and in the same dosage as the brand name drug. Therapeutically, the generic drug is identical to the brand name drug, the difference being that the former is sold under its chemical or 'generic' identity.

Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Name-Brand Drugs?

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. The potency and purity of generic drugs is stringently controlled by the FDA. In fact the regulatory body warrants that the generic manufacturers validate that the generic drug will have the same effect as its brand name counterpart by providing a measure of the extent and rate of drug absorption. The generic is expected to treat the malaise or illness or condition with the same efficacy and safety as its patent protected counterpart. FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.

Are Generic Drugs as Safe as Name-Brand Drugs?

Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs. Used safely and widely all over the world, there is no doubt that generic drugs are as safe as Name Brand drugs as they are required to meet all regulatory requirements of the FDA.

Are Generic Drugs Less Expensive than Name-Brand Drugs?

Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers bypass the investment costs of the developer of a new drug. Development of new drugs entails added costs like research, development, marketing, and promotion. Patent protection helps Name Brand Drugs to recover these costs by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while the patent is in effect. However, when the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce competitive generic versions and since by then there are no development costs, they can sell their product at substantial discounts. Sometimes the manufacturers of patent drugs apply to the FDA to sell generic versions Also, once the generic drugs get approval there is greater competition, which keeps the prices down.

Is the More Expensive Name-Brand Drug of a Better Quality?

No, both Brand Name and Generic drugs are controlled by FDA Regulations and are liable to come up with drugs of the same quality, strength, efficacy, dosage and intended use. As such, there is no question of the less expensive one being of a lesser quality than the more expensive one.

Who Makes Generic Drugs?

At times, on expiration of patent, Name Brand manufacturers apply to the FDA for a license to sell generic versions. Also, other drug companies specializing in the manufacturing of generics can introduce competitive generic versions as long as they make sure that they meet stringent FDA, WHO and GMP stipulations. Generic Drugs are manufactured by International pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Cipla Abbot, Aventis, Bayer, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's, Merck, Eli Lily, GlaxoSmithKline and Ranbaxy.