Is there a generic equivalent for my brand-name drug?
To find out if there is a generic equivalent for your brand-name drug, use Drugs@FDA, a catalog of FDA-approved drug products, as well as drug labeling.
Are generic drugs as effective as brand-name drugs?
Yes. A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, quality, the way it works, the way it is taken and the way it should be used.
FDA requires generic drugs have the same high quality, strength, purity and stabilty as brand-name drugs.
Every brand-name drug does not have a generic drug. When new drugs are first made they have drug patents. Most drug patents are protected for 17 years. The patent, which protects the company that made the drug first, doesn't allow anyone else to make and sell the drug. When the patent expires, other drug companies can start selling a generic version of the drug. But, first, they must test the drug and the FDA must approve it.
Creating a drug costs lots of money. Since generic drug makers do not develop a drug from scratch, the costs to bring the drug to market are less; therefore, generic drugs are usually less expensive than brand-name drugs. But, generic drug makers must show that their product performs in the same way as the brand-name drug.
All generic drugs are approved by FDA. |
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