Brand Name Medications are sold by the pharmaceutical company which holds the patent on the drug. Brand name medications can only be sold by that company. They are more expensive because the manufacturing company has research costs, advertising costs and has no competition until the patent expires. Brand name medications can be both prescription and over-the-counter.
Generic Medications are chemically identical to brand name drugs but are usually less expensive. When the patent expires on the brand name drug, it removes the monopoly of the company which holds the patent and more firms can manufacture and market it.
- Generic drugs meet the same standards of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as brand names. They have the same dosage, use, efficacy, strength, side effects, risks, etc.
- The FDA mandates that generic medications work as quickly as their brand name counterparts.
- Generic versions of brand name drugs may have different colors, flavors and/or inactive ingredients. Patent/trademark laws in the US do not allow brand and generic medications to look exactly the same. HOWEVER, THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, WHICH ARE THE INGREDIENTS WHICH MAKE THE DRUG WORK, MUST BE THE SAME IN BOTH GENERIC AND BRAND.
- An example of a generic name is ibuprofen whose brand name is Advil.
- Some states allow pharmacists to substitute generic for brand- name medications.
- If you feel the generic drug is not working as well as the brand equivalent, discuss this with your doctor and pharmacist. A doctor may write ” Dispense as Written “or “ Do Not Substitute” on the prescription for a brand name drug. Your insurance company may not cover the brand name drug or you may be responsible for a larger copay. Check your Insurance.
- NOT ALL DRUGS HAVE GENERIC EQUIVALENTS.
- Always check with your doctor before you change drugs.
For more comprehensive information, go to:
National Library of Medicine Great information about: why a drug was prescribed, how to use prescriptions, side effects,etc.
Destination RX /RXaminer Founded by a physician to help you find alternatives to brand name drugs.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug information for consumers including public health alerts, drug approval reports, recalls, market withdrawals. Sign up for email alerts or call: 888-463-6332
US Food and Drug Administration Med Watch Medical product and drug safety information.
