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Generic Drugs —
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs?
The brand name is the name under which the product was originally sold. A brand name is protected by a patent for up to 20 years. When the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce the generic equivalent of the brand and sell it under its generic, or chemical, name.
Generic drugs are made with the same active ingredients and are available in the same strength and dosage form as equivalent brand-name products. The difference is in the name, and in the price.
What are the advantages of using generic versus brand-name medications?
The biggest advantage of using a generic alternative is price. You can save as much as 90 percent over the cost of brand-name medications. Generics average 40 to 60 percent less than brand-name drugs.
How many prescriptions are filled using generic drugs?
In 2002, nearly 47 percent of all prescriptions in the US were filled using generic drugs.
What are the regulations governing the manufacture of generic drugs?
In 1997, up to 80 percent of generic drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration were manufactured by companies that also make brand-name drugs. The U.S. government strictly regulates the manufacturing process of all drugs, and all manufacturers meet the same standards. The FDA inspects drug manufacturers and recalls any marketed products that do not meet production standards.
Each generic drug is laboratory tested to ensure that the same amount of drug will be absorbed into the bloodstream as with the brand-name drug. Since 1984, no generic drug has been approved in the US unless it has been shown to have the same amount of active drug absorbed at the same rate as the brand-name drug.
Do generic drugs work differently for children or the elderly?
Generics have been shown to be as safe as brand-name drugs for children and the elderly. Seniors represent over 20 percent of the U.S. population and the average person over age 65 uses more than three prescriptions monthly. Increased savings through the use of generics could free up considerable income for the elderly, many of whom are on fixed incomes.
Do hospitals and health care professionals support the use of generic drugs?
The American Medical Association, the largest organization of medical doctors in the U.S., states that generic drug products are acceptable for use by the American public. Most hospitals routinely use generic drugs for treatment of their patients.
Ask your physician or pharmacist if any of the prescription medications you are currently taking can be filled with a generic alternative. By using generic drugs whenever possible, you can reduce your prescription drug costs while maintaining the same strength, dosage and quality as the brand-name drug.
