Generic medicines are copies of brand-name drugs that have gone off patent. They are required to have the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the original brand-name ¹ drug. Generic medicines are also required to be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning that they are absorbed and used by the body in the same way.

Generic medicines are typically much cheaper than brand-name drugs. In some cases, they can be up to 80% cheaper. This is because generic drug manufacturers don't have to spend as much money on research and development as brand-name drug manufacturers. They also don't have to spend as much money on marketing and advertising.

How Generic Medicines Are Made

Generic medicines are made using the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs. However, they may be made using different inactive ingredients. Inactive ingredients are substances that are added to a medication to help it work or to make it easier to take.

Generic medicines are also made using different manufacturing processes. This means that the final product may look slightly different from the brand-name drug. For example, a generic pill may be a different color or shape than the brand-name pill.

Are Generic Medicines Safe and Effective?

Yes, generic medicines are safe and effective. They have to go through the same rigorous testing and approval process as brand-name drugs. This means that they have to be proven to be safe and effective before they can be sold to the public.

How to Get Generic Medicines

Generic medicines are available from most pharmacies. You can also buy them online. However, it is important to make sure that you are buying your generic medicines from a reputable source.

Benefits of Using Generic Medicines

There are many benefits to using generic medicines. They are cheaper than brand-name drugs, they are safe and effective, and they are available from most pharmacies.

Conclusion

Generic medicines are a great way to save money on your prescription drugs. They are just as safe and effective as brand-name drugs. If you are taking a brand-name drug, talk to your doctor about switching to a generic version.

Additional Resources

• FDA
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Consumer Reports

In addition to the information above, here are some other things to keep in mind about generic medicines:

• Not all generic medicines are available for all brand-name drugs.
• Some insurance companies may require you to try a generic medicine before they will cover a brand-name drug.
• You can ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic version of your medication available.

 

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