Generic Medicine Vs. Name-Brand

The difference between generic and name-brand medications is more of a legal distinction than a chemical one. Generic medications are required to prove their safety and that they contain the same ingredients as the original name-brand product.

Significance

Health care and medications can be costly. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, generic drugs can help seniors and people taking a lot of prescriptions cut their costs.

Difference

Name-brand medications are developed using the patented brand name. According to "Scientific American" magazine, generic manufacturers can offer their versions when a patent expires.

Similarity

Generic medications contain the same chemical components as the name-brand originals in the same amount with the same release schedule. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic manufacturers to provide evidence that their medications are the same as the name-brand versions.

Cost

Generic medications cost less than their name-brand counterparts because generic drug manufacturers do not have the costly expense of developing the drug. Consequently, generics are produced less expensively and sold at a lower cost.

Expert Insight

According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, researchers have not found evidence of any major difference between generic and name-brand medications.

References

• Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Is the Brand Name Drug Really Better Than the Generic?
• Scientific American: What's the Difference Between Brand-Name and Generic Prescription Drugs?