Generic Drugs vs. Brand Drugs

Nearly, 50 percent of all prescriptions now are available in a generic norm in the U.S. But still many broods over their efficacy and thus think twice before leaping ahead. For such hassled consumers, this piece of information will surely clears up all doubts which loom over the safety and credence of generic drugs.

Generic drugs are basically pharmaceutical products that are intended to replace the innovator drugs. They are formulated without any permit or approval from the innovator drug's company. Generics prescriptions are manufactured and marketed when the patent over the innovator or branded drugs expire. Unlike the brand drugs, they are distinguished with a generic or chemical name which is provided by a generic pharmacy. Having the same strength, safety, dosage, effects, route of administration, and intended use as the original preparation, they slightly differ from their brand counterparts.

Disparity between brand drugs and generic prescriptions
If the cost and price factor is kept aside, generic drugs are not much different from the branded ones. While a generic drug is renowned by its chemical name and where as the brand drugs receives names from their manufacturers who enjoy a sole right over their manufacturing and sale up to 20 years with the help of a patent. When the patent runs out, other manufacturers can fabricate and sell a generic alternative of the brand drug under its chemical or generic name.

Are generic prescriptions safe and effective as brand drugs?
This is one of the common questions which hammer most consumers' mind. Yes, generic drugs are equally safe and effective as their counterparts. The U.S FDA takes every possible effort to ensure that all drugs manufacturers comply with its high standards of manufacturing. And drugs fabricators, who don't meet its high production standards, are debarred from all FDA's privileges.

In addition, each generic drug is subjected to laboratory test to assure that the same sum of medicine will be assimilated into bloodstream when consumed.

Are all brand prescriptions available in generic norm?
No, as some medicines are guarded by patents and thus can be manufactured and marketed only by single company. But when the patents are about to expire, other manufacturers can file an application to the FDA for the fabrication of generic pills.

Is generic drug takes long time to work?
No, generic pills don't take longer to function as the FDA approved only those drugs which work quickly and efficiently as the innovator drugs.