Is Generic Medication Better Than Name Brand?

Generic medications are developed to function the same as the equivalent name-brand medications. Generics can be marketed when the name-brand equivalents are no longer protected by patent.

Cost

Generic medications cost less than name-brand medications, and health insurance is likely to cover more of the cost of a generic than a name-brand medication.

Appearance

The Food and Drug Administration does not allow generics to look the same as the equivalent name-brand drugs. Generics may come in different sizes, colors, and/or shapes.

Effectiveness

Generics must be as effective as the equivalent name-brand medications to be approved.

Time Frame

By FDA regulation, in studie, the human body must absorb a generic drug at a rate and extent of 80 percent to 125 percent of that of the brand name drug.

Availability

Generics are not available for all drugs. In the United States, each drug is protected by patent for 17 years. After that time, manufacturers can develop generic versions.

References

• Orange Book Preface
• Facts about Generic Drugs

Resources

• Understanding Generic Drugs