Myths about generic medicines

What is Generic Medicines?  A generic drug is identical -- or bioequivalent -- to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.

• A generic drug is the same as a brand-name drug in: • dosage • safety • strength • quality • the way it works • the way it is taken • the way it should be used

Common Facts  Two out of every three prescriptions filled are generic. Generics are available for almost every health problem from asthma to heart disease to diabetes.  Brand-name and generic pills work exactly the same. You might get more by spending more when it comes to computers or cars.

But when you get a generic drug, you’re getting exactly the same medicine that is in the expensive brand-name drug  Doctors know that generic drugs are just as good as the brandname drug if they are available. If your doctor writes a brandname drug on your prescription, ask him if there is a generic drug you can use instead.  Your doctor and local pharmacist want you to get medicine that is safe, effective, and affordable. In most cases, generics are the best option when you compare price and quality. That is why two out of three prescriptions fi lled are for generic drugs.

Myths About Generic Drugs  Myth #1: Generics take longer to act in the body

 Fact: The firm seeking to sell a generic drug must show that its drug delivers the same amount of active ingredient in the same time frame as the original product.

Myths About Generic Drugs  Myth #2: Generics are not as potent as brand-name drugs.  Fact: FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires generics to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs.

Myths About Generic Drugs ď ą Myth #3: Generics are not as safe as brand-name drugs ď ą Fact: FDA requires that all drugs be safe and effective and that their benefits outweigh their risks.

Since generics have same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body, they have the same risk-benefit as their brand-name counterparts.

Myths About Generic Drugs  Myth #4: Brand-name drugs are made in modern manufacturing facilities, and generics are often made in substandard facilities.  Fact: The FDA won’t permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. The FDA conducts about 3,500 inspections a year in all firms to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms account for an estimated 50% of generic drug production. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but sell them without the brand name.

Myths About Generic Drugs  Myth #5: Generic drugs are likely to cause more side effects.  Fact: There is no evidence of this. The FDA monitors reports of adverse drug reactions and has found no difference in the rates between generic and brandname drugs.

Myths About Generic Drugs ď ą Myth #6: Generic drugs are not good as they are Low priced. ď ą Fact: A generic drug is pharmaceutically equivalent to branded medicines.