Generic Drugs vs. Generic Products
Because of experiences with generic versions of products such as facial tissues or laundry detergent, many people believe that a generic drug is a lower-quality product than a brand-name drug. Find out the truth about this common misperception!
We've all occasionally bought 'generic' products in an attempt to save money. You know - buying generic ice cream instead of Ben & Jerry's, or buying generic laundry detergent instead of Tide.
And, from time to time, we've all experienced disappointing results. We're left with a feeling that generic products aren't quite as good as their brand-name versions.
Some of that negative thinking has carried over to prescription drugs. Many people believe that a generic drug is a lower-quality product than a brand-name drug. This is a misperception!
Generic drugs are equivalent to brand-name drugs. Before a generic drug can be sold, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure the drug is just as effective as its brand-name version. Generic drugs must contain the same active ingredients that are found in the brand version. Thus, generic drugs work the same way in the body as brand drugs to deliver their medicinal effects.
The active ingredient(s) in brand name drug products have already been shown to be safe and effective; therefore, generic products only need to show that they are "bioequivalent" to the brand product. To be bioequivalent, the generic drug product must release the active ingredient into the bloodstream at virtually the same speed and rate and in virtually the same amount as the brand drug.
Generic drugs are thoroughly tested to make sure their performance and ingredients meet the FDA's standards for equivalency. FDA scientists sometimes visit generic drug laboratories to check the purity of the ingredients and the quality of the processing procedures. Generic and brand-name drugs must meet the exact same standards for effectiveness, safety, and quality.
So what does this mean for you? In short, generic drugs are not like other 'generic' products. With your doctor's approval, generic drugs can be safely and effectively substituted for brand-name drugs.
References:
FDA approval process for generic medications. Teri Wagner, PharmD, Stadtlanders Pharmacy. Available at: http://www.stadtlander.com/general/generics.html.
FDA ensures equivalence of generic drugs. FDA Consumer, special report, January 1995. The Food and Drug Administration Web site. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/special/newdrug/generic.html. Accessed February 2008.
Generic drugs. Merck Manual Home Edition. Available at: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_home/sec2/12.htm. Accessed February 2008.
Last Updated: February 2008
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.
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