THE FACTS ABOUT GENERIC DRUGS

michaelgen — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 08:37:20 +0000

What’s the difference between a generic and a brand-name medication?
A generic drug must contain the same active ingredients and must be equivalent in strength
and dosage to the original brand-name product. While generics and brand-name drugs contain the same active ingredients, the inactive ingredients may be different.
Inactive ingredients are used to keep a tablet from crumbling, add bulk to a tablet to make it large enough to handle, and/or provide a pleasant taste or color. Differences in inactive ingredients are generally harmless, but some people may have a reaction to them.

Are generic drugs safe and do they work as well as brandname medicines?
The FDA tests new generic drugs to ensure their safety and effectiveness. They make sure that generics contain the same amounts of active ingredients, that they are manufactured according to federal standards, and that they are released into the body at the same rate and the same way as the brand-name medicines.

Does every brand-name drug have a generic equivalent?
u No. About half of all prescription drugs have generic equivalents at this time. Generics
can be manufactured only after patents on brand-name drugs have expired.
There will be generic versions of many brandnamed drugs available over the next few years, so
be sure to talk to your physician or pharmacist and ask if a new generic equivalent is now available.

Why would I want to choose a generic drug over a brandname drug?
By choosing a generic equivalent, you can save a significant amount of money and you won’t compromise on quality. Generic equivalent medications typically cost 30 – 60% less than their brand-name counterparts.

Why do generic medicines cost less?
Generic drug manufacturers don’t have to pay as much as brand-name drug manufacturers do for expensive research and development, sales, advertising and marketing

When should I not take a generic drug?
Sometimes it is important to stay with the drug you’re using, whether it’s the generic or the rand name, because your body is used to it. You should always discuss any medication changes with your doctor.

How do I get a generic drug?
Ask your doctor if a generic option is available and if it is appropriate. Most pharmacists will be able to dispense the generic drug with your doctor’s permission.

SAVE MONEY WITHGENERICS!
If you have health insurance, check your plan. Some plans offer lower co-pays for generic drugs. If you have to pay for your medicines yourself, you may save 30-60 percent by using generics. Talk to your doctor to see if generics are right for you.
On example check prices in Online Generic Drugstore

Glossary of terms:

Brand-name drug
The first approved version of a drug.

Generic drugs
Equivalent versions of brand-name drugs approved for safety, efficacy, quality, and purity by the Food & Drug Administration.

Active ingredient
The specific chemical ingredient that makes a drug work.

Inactive ingredient
Ingredients that are used only as additives for color, flavor, binding, or bulk.

Good Luck!
Michael.