subject: What Are Generic Prescription Drugs And Are They Reliable? [print this page] There seems to be a lot of mystery revolving around generic drugs, but they are not as mysterious as they seem. Basically, they are copies of brand named drugs. The more scientific term is bioequivalent. According to the FDA, generics must possess the same dose requirements and overall quality of the innovator drug. The generics must have their own distinctive look and name, however.
Generics and their innovator both share the same active ingredient, but they may or may not differ in their inactive ingredients. Consumers must be able to tell the difference between the two, therefore packaging and the actual look and taste of the drug will differ.
In the United States, patent protection extends for twenty years, but the application for the patent is usually entered well before clinical trials are performed. This means that generics can hit the market anywhere between seven and twelve years after the brand drug. Once this happens, they are put on the market at a much lower price than the innovator drug because they did not have to incur the same marketing and research and development costs as the original. This is quite an advantage when considering the high cost of most prescription drugs.
Although a lower price is an advantage, there have been some concerns as to their safety. However, both brand name and generics have had safety issues. Some have been the result of product tampering, while others involve the actual chemistry of the drug. At some point, both have experienced negative reports from users, so it is always wise to consult a doctor before taking any over the counter drug. It is also necessary to do your own due diligence and research the side effects of prescriptions drugs.
Since their lower cost is the major reason why users flock to these drugs, they have become higher in demand. Doctors still tend to prescribe brand named drugs because this is the standard they are use to. It is your option and right to ask for a less expensive, generic alternative.
It is interesting to note that many of the huge brand name companies produce their own line of generics. It is a competitive market and they too want their piece of the action. So they will produce generic drugs right alongside their brand named drugs and in this way impact both sides of the market. This is a little known fact that major companies prefer to keep undisclosed.
Due to their growing appeal, there are also companies that make only generics. They see there is a burgeoning market and they produce to supply the need. The cost of generic drugs is reported to average anywhere between fifty to sixty percent lower in cost to brand medicines. Many people cannot afford brand name prescription medications and over the counter drugs and it is necessary to tend to the needs of lower income patients.
