Archive for the ‘Why Generic’ Category

Generic Drugs

Thursday, August 30th, 2007

Question 1.  What are generic copies of drugs like Viagra?

A generic drug like viagra is a copy that is exactly the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use. 
Question 2.  Are these cheap generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?

Yes. Health authorities require that all drugs be safe and effective. Since generics use the same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body, they have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
Question 3.  Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?

Yes. Governments require that generic drugs must have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.
Question 4.  Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?

No. These Cheaper Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs.
Question 5.  Why are generic drugs such as Viagra soo much cheaper?

These Generic drugs such as Viagra can be bought cheap because the generic viagra  manufacturers don’t have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug. New drugs are developed under patent protection. The patent protects the investment—including research, development, marketing, and promotion—by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while it is in effect. As patents near expiration, manufacturers can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. Because those manufacturers don’t have the same development costs, they can sell their product at substantial discounts. Also, once generic drugs are approved, there is greater competition, which keeps the price down. Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.
Question 6.  Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic drugs?

No. Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must meet the same standards of good manufacturing practices. Government health authorities won’t permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. They conduct many inspections each year to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms are linked to an estimated 50 percent of generic drug production. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but sell them without the brand name.
Question 7.  If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?

In the United States for example, trademark laws do not allow a generic drug to look exactly like the brand-name drug. However, a generic drug must duplicate the active ingredient. Colors, flavors, and certain other inactive ingredients may be different.