Tina, there is NO difference on efficacy. Most brand name drugs are given exclusive patents by the FDA for a period of time. Eventually, most drugs might end up as a generic drug.
When a brand-name drug's patent protection expires, generic versions of the drug can be approved for sale. The generic version works like the brand-name drug in dosage, strength, performance and use, and must meet the same quality and safety standards. All generic drugs must be reviewed and approved by FDA.
Generic drugs may look different than brand names because certain inactive ingredients, such as colors and flavorings, may change. However, these ingredients do not affect the performance, safety or effectiveness of the generic drug. They look different because trademark laws in the U.S. do not allow a generic drug to look exactly like other drugs already on the market. It is always possible that a generic drug will be also manufactured by that company that made the brand version. Brand-name pharmaceutical companies are responsible for manufacturing approximately 50 percent of generic drugs.
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Tina, there is NO difference on efficacy. Most brand name drugs are given exclusive patents by the FDA for a period of time. Eventually, most drugs might end up as a generic drug.
When a brand-name drug's patent protection expires, generic versions of the drug can be approved for sale. The generic version works like the brand-name drug in dosage, strength, performance and use, and must meet the same quality and safety standards. All generic drugs must be reviewed and approved by FDA.
Generic drugs may look different than brand names because certain inactive ingredients, such as colors and flavorings, may change. However, these ingredients do not affect the performance, safety or effectiveness of the generic drug. They look different because trademark laws in the U.S. do not allow a generic drug to look exactly like other drugs already on the market. It is always possible that a generic drug will be also manufactured by that company that made the brand version. Brand-name pharmaceutical companies are responsible for manufacturing approximately 50 percent of generic drugs.
December 2, 2008 - 9:56pmThis Comment
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