If you've had a prescription filled recently, there's a good chance you're taking a generic drug. Almost 80% of prescription drug sales are generics. Their use helps save patients and hospitals billions of dollars every year.
It's estimated that you could save at least two-thirds of your drug costs if you use generic drugs.
According to the FDA, generic drugs can be trusted to have the same quality as brand-name drugs -- but at a cheaper price. That's important to know because no one wants to skimp on health, even if it means saving money.
What Are the Ways Generics Are the Same as Brand-Name Drugs?
The FDA requires a generic drug to meet standards that make sure it's the same basic product as the brand-name drug. That means the generic drug is safe and can be taken:
- The same way as a brand-name drug
- For the same reason as a brand-name drug
For the FDA to approve a generic drug, it must be the same as the brand-name product in its:
- Active ingredient
- Strength
- Use and effect
- Form of dosage form (for example a pill, inhaler, or liquid)
- Ability to reach the required level in the bloodstream at the right time and to the same extent
- Testing standards
How Are Generics Different From Brand-Name Drugs?
Some differences between generics and brand-name drugs are allowed. These differences may change the appearance of the drug. But they do not affect how it works or its safety.
Generic drugs may differ in:
- Shape
- Color
- Packaging
- Labeling (minor differences only)
Generic drugs are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than brand-name drugs. For example, they may have a different:
- Flavoring
- Preservative
The inactive ingredients in a generic, though, must be considered safe by the FDA.
Generic drugs may also have a different expiration date than brand-name drugs. But even so, the generic must keep its effectiveness until its expiration date, just as required of a brand-name product.