Generic drugs are in the markets for more than 10 years. Many people have doubts about the effectiveness, safety and the cost of generic medicines. Some of the common questions are answered below:
What is a generic medicine?
It is the cheaper form of brand drugs available in the market. It saves much of the consumer’s money as it is much cheaper compared to the brand medicine. According to the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, these drugs have save millions of American drug consumers each year.
What are the major differences between generic drugs and brand drugs?
The major difference in generic and brand medicines are the cost. While the brand medicines are very costly, the generic medicines are very cheap. Another major difference is that the generic drugs have different names. The name of the drug will be decided by the manufacturer. For example, the generic name of Viagra is sildenafil. The brand name is Viagra. The difference in the brand and generic names makes it easy for the consumer to identify the generic product. Another big difference is the appearance. While the brand medicines are advertised with the size, shape and color, the appearance of the generic drug varies with the production company.
What is the difference in the cost of generic and brand drugs?
The cost of these drugs is very less compared to the branded drugs. You can save at least 30 per cent on generic products as compared to brand products. Like for example, you may pay $5 to $15 for a generic medicine while you will have to pay anywhere from $15 to $35 for a brand medicine.
Are generic medicines as safe as brand medicines?
Yes, all the generic drugs are safe as brand drugs. They undergo various tests before getting introduced in the market. There are regulatory authorities that check the effectiveness and safety of the drugs.
Can I use the generic medicine even if my doctor prescribes me brand medicine?
You can use the generic version of the medicine as it has the same ingredients, dosage and administration as of brand medicine. All you need to do is to ask your pharmacist to give you the generic drug in the place of brand medicine.
Are generic drugs stronger than brand drugs?
There is no difference in the strength between generic and brand drugs. As mentioned before, the dosage and administration for both the drugs remain the same.
How much time it will take for the generic drug to work on the body?
The same time as the branded drug takes. The generic medicines work in the same way and manner as the brand medicines.
Why does the brand drug use the same design and color while the generic drug varies in appearance?
The trademark laws in the United States do not allow the brand drugs to use different colors. They will have to stick on to the same color and appearance till the patent exists. However, the generic medicines are not patented and they can use whichever color they want and change the appearance as well.
Does every brand drug have a generic version?
It is not necessary that every brand drug has a generic version.
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