What is a Generic drug?

Generic drugs are the generic equivalent of the brand name drug with the same dosage, strength, action, quality, administration and intended use. Market availability depends on the generic manufacturer proving the generic drug has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and that it works the same way in the body, in the same amount of time.

As trademark laws prevent generics from looking exactly like their brand-name counterparts you may find that the shape or color look slightly different. This, plus the fact generics are less expensive, are the only differences between generic and brand-name drugs.

Patent expiration on brand-name drugs has a lot to do with why generics are less expensive. When the patent expires on a brand-name drug, generic manufacturers can produce a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a considerable discount. Plus, with the invention of the drug already established generic manufacturers do not have to invest huge sums of money into research and development, also keeping the cost of generic drugs down.