GENERIC VERSUS BRANDED MEDICATIONS
In India, the medical profession is ruined by the private doctors and the pharmaceutical MNCs, the doctors and chemists force the customer to buy branded drugs which are much costly than the generic drugs available. It is all because the consumer that is a patient don't know the difference between generic and branded drugs. Sometime if a patient ask for the generic drugs than doctors and pharmacist misguide them that generic drugs doesn't have same effect as of branded but there is no difference between these drugs as the only difference is the manufacturer of branded drugs fill the pockets of both doctor and the pharmacist with gifts. So the all detail about generic drugs are provided here under, and remember that always ask for generic drugs to doctor and the pharmacist.....
What are generic drugs?
A
generic drug is a chemically equivalent, lower-cost version of a
brand-name drug, costing 30-80% less! A brand-name drug and its generic
version must have the same active ingredient, dosage, safety, strength,
usage directions, quality, performance and intended use.
Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. Generic and brand-name drugs must meet the exact same standards for effectiveness, safety and quality.
Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
Yes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic drugs to have
the same quality, strength, purity and stability as their brand-name
versions. Generic drugs are thoroughly tested to make sure their
performance and ingredients meet the FDA’s standards for equivalency.
Do generics take longer to work?
No. Generic drugs work in your body in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs
Are brand-name drugs manufactured in better facilities than generic drugs?
No.
Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must meet the same
standards; the FDA won’t permit drugs to be made in substandard
facilities. The FDA conducts about 3,500 inspections a year to ensure
standards are met. In fact, brand-name firms are linked to an estimated
50% of generic drug production. They frequently make generic copies of
their own or other brand-name drugs, then sell them with a generic name.
What is the price difference between generic and brand-name drugs?
In
2008, the average price of a brand-name drug was Rs137.90, while the
average generic prescription cost Rs35.22, according to the National
Association of Chain Drug Stores. In addition to the savings on the
price difference, there is also a savings on your copayment for using a
generic drug over a brand-name drug.
If generic drugs are just as good as brand-name drugs, why do generics cost less?
When
a company develops a new drug and submits it for FDA approval, a
20-year patent is issued, preventing other companies from selling the
drug during the life of the patent. As a drug patent nears expiration,
any drug manufacturer can apply to the FDA to sell its generic version.
Because these manufacturers didn’t have the same development costs (such
as years of expensive research), they can sell the drug at a discount.
Once generics are allowed, the competition keeps the price down. Today,
almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generics.
Why do some generic drugs look different from their brand-name versions?
All
drugs have inactive ingredients such as dyes, fillers and
preservatives. These ingredients often determine the size, shape and
color of the drug. Trademark laws do not allow a generic drug to look
exactly like its brand-name version. A generic drug must duplicate the
active ingredient and it must be equally effective, but the color,
shape, and other inactive ingredients may be different.
How do I get generic drugs?
Talk
with your doctor and pharmacist. Explain that you want the most
effective drug at the best price. Ask your doctor to write prescriptions
for generic drugs whenever possible.
What’s the bottom line on generics?
You
can use generics with confidence. Although they may look different from
their brand-name versions, generics are safe and effective. As always,
any medication changes must be discussed with your physician and
pharmacist.
