What is Generic Medicines?
Generic medicines are copies of brand-name drugs that have the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, and strength as the original drug. They are typically less expensive than the brand-name version. Generic drugs are able to be sold after the patents on the original drugs expire. Experts Agree: Generics Offer Same Safety and Effectiveness Experts in the field of medicine and pharmacy agree that generic drugs offer the same safety and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts. This is because generic drugs are required to meet the same standards for quality, purity, and potency as brand-name drugs. The active ingredient in a generic drug must be identical to that of the brand-name drug, and the generic drug must be bioequivalent, meaning it is absorbed into the body at the same rate and to the same extent as the brand-name drug. The FDA, World Health Organization (WHO), and other healthcare organizations also support the use of generic drugs a