Generic Drugs: An Economic Option
General thought prevails that generic drugs are lower in quality and that’s the reason why they are not expensive. People are afraid of opting for generic drugs for the same reason. But frankly to say, they are depriving themselves of an inexpensive option due to their ignorance. Generic drugs are the replicas of their brand name drugs. The FDA mandates that generic drugs must have the same strength and the same dosage form and must be administered in the same way as the original.
The manufacturer of the generic has to prove to the FDA that its product is bioequivalent to its brand name drug. In other words, it should be proved that the drug performs in the same manner as the original brand name drug.
One test of bioequivalence is to measure the time it takes the active ingredient in the drug to reach the bloodstream and its concentration in the bloodstream in 24 to 36 healthy volunteers. This shows the rate and extent of the generic drug’s absorption. These characteristics are then compared with those of the original drug.
Many people believe that brand-name drugs are superior. But the truth is that generic drugs are as effective as their brand name counterparts are. And they follow the same manufacturing standards.
Generic drugs usually sell for a fraction of the cost of brand-name drugs. The price drop that occurs when generics enter the market is referable to several factors including competition and the lower operating cost of generic drug manufacturers. When companies compete with each other to sell the same theory, prices will tend to go down. Manufacturers of generics are also able to offer lower prices because, unlike the developer of the brand-name drug, they don’t have to invest in research and development or engage in expensive marketing and advertising campaigns.
So the idea is clear that generic drugs are no less than the branded ones as far as quality and effectuality is concerned. There is a difference in color and structure. It’s because FDA doesn’t allow the generic version to be a look alike of the branded one. And the other difference is what it makes to your pocket. While opting for generic drugs, you don’t have to make your pocket lighter as much as you do when you go for brand name drugs. Truly, it’s an economic option that’s open for you.
