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Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions about Generic Drugs
- What are generic drugs?
- Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
- Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
- Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
- Why are generic drugs less expensive?
- Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic
drugs?
- If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active
ingredients, why do they look different?
- Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
- What is the best source of information about generic drugs?
- What is Generic Initiative for Value and Efficiency (GIVE)?
- What are generic drugs?
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.
- Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA requires that all drugs be safe and effective. 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.
- Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality, strength,
purity and stability as brand-name drugs.
- Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
No. Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs.
- Why are generic drugs less expensive?
Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't
have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug. New drugs
are developed under patent protection. The patent protects the
investmentincluding research,
development, marketing, and promotionby
giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while it is in
effect. As patents near expiration, manufacturers can apply to the FDA
to sell generic versions. Because those manufacturers don't have the same
development costs, they can sell their product at substantial
discounts. Also, once generic drugs are approved, there is greater competition,
which keeps the price down. Today, almost half of all prescriptions
are filled with generic drugs.
- Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic
drugs?
No. Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must meet the same
standards of good manufacturing practices. FDA won't permit drugs
to be made in substandard facilities. FDA conducts about 3,500 inspections
a year to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities
comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms
are linked to an estimated 50 percent of generic drug production.
They frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs
but sell them without the brand name.
- If brand-name drugs and generic drugs
have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
In the United States, trademark laws do not allow a generic drug to
look exactly like the brand-name drug. However, a generic drug must
duplicate the active ingredient. Colors, flavors, and certain other
inactive ingredients may be different.
- Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
No. Brand-name drugs are generally given patent protection for 20 years from
the date of submission of the patent. This provides protection for
the innovator who laid out the initial costs (including research,
development, and marketing expenses) to develop the new drug. However,
when the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce competitive
generic versions, but only after they have been thoroughly tested
by the manufacturer and approved by the FDA.
- What is the best source of information about generic drugs?
Contact your physician, pharmacist, or insurance company for
information on your generic drugs. You can also visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/index.htm for more information.
- What is Generic Initiative for Value and Efficiency (GIVE)?
On October 4, 2007, FDA launched the Generic Initiative for Value and Efficiency, or GIVE. The initiative will use existing resources to help FDA modernize and streamline the generic drug approval process.
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Date created: July 31, 2002; Last updated: October 4, 2007 |
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