Branded vs. Generic Medicines: Know the Difference
Generic medicines contain similar active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts. However, they cost much less.
Before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a generic medicine, it should meet some approval standards. The FDA instructs that the generic medicine should be pharmaceutically equivalent to its brand-name version. This further assures that the generic drugs have similar strength, purity, stability, and quality as their brand-name drugs.
Facts about brand and generic drugs
- Manufacturers prepare generic drugs to work similarly and offer the same benefits as their branded drugs.
- The generic medicine should meet exact standards before the FDA approves it.
- Once a brand-name drug's patent expires, a pharmaceutical company can file an "abbreviated new drug application." This allows the company to produce a generic version of a similar drug.
- The research found that the prices of several branded medicines increase regularly, annually, or biannually.
- According to the FDA, generic medicines should cost 80 to 85% less than their brand-name equivalents.
Is there any difference between generic and brand-name drugs?
When it comes to generic and brand-name drugs, there are two main differences:
- The inactive ingredients, like preservatives or flavouring, might change.
- Usually, generic drugs cost less than brand-name medicines.
Can generic-name drugs work in the same way as brand-name medicines?
It is essential to know that generic medicines are formulated to work like brand-name drugs. Generic drugs have similar active ingredients and are the same as their brand-name medicines when it comes to:
- Strength
- Quality
- Route of administration
- Dosage
Is generic medicine less effective than brand-name drugs?
No. Generic medicines are as effective as their brand-name medications. As per the FDA, a pharma company should demonstrate that generic drugs can be substituted for brand-name medications and provide the same benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
Why do brand-name medicines cost more than the generics?
There are some reasons behind this:
- Brand-name medicines require testing called clinical trials to prove that they are safe and work as they should. These clinical trials are costly, so manufacturers pass on some of these expenses to the consumer.
- Since a brand-name medicine is only sold by one manufacturer, numerous companies will sell the same generic medicine. This further leads to competition in the market and reduces the cost of generic drugs for consumers.
How do we differentiate between generic and brand-name medicine?
If you are worried about selecting the wrong prescription, don't worry. Differentiating between a generic and a brand-name medicine is relatively easy. Because of trademark laws, generic and brand-name drugs cannot appear similar.
The brand and generic versions of drug might differ on:
- Packaging
- Shape
- Inactive ingredients
- Colour
- Flavorings
However, these differences do not mean that your generic medicine is less effective or works differently than the brand-name drug.
Is it safe to use generic drugs?
Yes, generic medicines are safe because they are regulated and undergo different review procedures before approval.
The FDA tests ensure that generic medicines provide similar benefits to brand-name medicines and that other ingredients used in generic medicines are safe. They will check how solid the medicine's container is, how long an unused medication will last before it breaks down, and whether its manufacturer can reliably and appropriately formulate the medicine. The FDA will approve the medicine when all these safety requirements are met.
Once the medicine is approved, the FDA will regularly check the manufacturing plant where the medicine is manufactured and monitor the medication for safety concerns. If people using generic medicine suffer from adverse reactions or side effects, the FDA will check, and the manufacturer might be required to change how it formulates the medicine or how it is used.
Summary
Thus, brand-name and generic medicines contain similar active ingredients in the same quantity. In most cases, they provide satisfying benefits. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before taking brand-name and generic medicine to avoid any problems.
