Generic prescriptions work and provides benefits the same as its brand-name version. It’s the same as a brand-name medicine in dosage, safety, effectiveness, and quality, as well as the possible side effects. The FDA conducts a rigorous review to ensure generic medicines meet the requirements in order to receive FDA approval, such as:
- The active ingredient in the generic medicine is the same as in the brand-name drug.
- The generic medicine has the same strength, use indications, form (such as a pill or an injection), and form of administration (such as oral or topical).
- The inactive ingredients of the generic medicine are acceptable.
- The generic medicine is manufactured under the same strict standards as the brand-name medicine.
- The container in which the medicine will be distributed is appropriate, and the label is the same as the brand-name medicine’s.
Generic medicines tend to cost less than brand-names because they do not have to repeat the studies that are required of the brand-name medicines to prove safety and effectiveness. Also, multiple applications for generic drugs are often approved for a single product; creating competition in the marketplace, and lowering prices.
