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Facts About Generic Drugs
What are generic drugs?
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
- the way it should be used
Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. The FDA says that all drugs must work well and be safe.
Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs
and work the same way. So they have the same risks and benefits as
the brand-name drugs.
Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA requires generic drugs must be as:
- high quality
- strong
- pure, and
- stable as brand-name drugs
Are brand-name drugs made in better factories than generic
drugs?
No. All factories must meet the same high standards. If the
factories do not meet certain standards, the FDA won’t allow them to
make drugs.
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 generic drugs
to look exactly like the brand-name drug. However, the generic drug
must have the same active ingredients. Colors, flavors, and certain
other parts may be different. But these things don’t affect the way
the drug works and they are looked at by FDA.
Does every brand-name drug have a generic drug?
No. When new drugs are first made they have drug patents. Most
drug patents are protected for 17 years. The patent protects the
company that made the drug first. The patent doesn’t allow anyone
else to make and sell the drug. When the patent expires, other drug
companies can start selling the generic version of the drug. But,
first, they must test the drug and the FDA must approve it.
What is the best source of information about generic drugs?
Contact your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare worker for
information on your generic drugs. For more information, you can
also visit the FDA website at:
http://www.fda.gov/cder and click on Consumer Education.
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?
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. But they must show that their product performs in
the same way as the brand-name drug. All generic drugs are approved
by FDA. Your medication guide should be kept with you and up to
date. List your prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well
as your dietary supplements.
Your medication guide should be kept with you and up to date.
List your prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as
your dietary supplements.
Name of My Medicine |
How much do I take? |
When do I take it? |
What do I use it for? |
xxxx (Example) |
1 Tablet 400 mg |
Morning |
Arthritis |
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Generic Drugs:
Safe. Effective. FDA Approved.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
1-888-INFO-FDA • www.fda.gov
Consumer Education: Generic Drugs
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Date created: November 16, 2004; Updated August 7, 2006 |