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The advertising for brand name drugs only tells part of the story. Generic drugs are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterpart. Here are a few myths about generic drugs, and the facts you should know. |
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Myth: |
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Generic drugs don't have the exact same ingredients as brand name drugs |
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Generic drugs are cheaper because the manufacturing plants don't have to comply with the same rules the brand names do. |
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Generic drugs don't work as quickly as brand name drugs. |
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Side effects are more common with generics than with brand name drugs. |
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Generics are cheaper because they're made by less reliable manufacturers. |
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Doctors prefer brand name drugs; it's only insurance companies that want me to use the cheaper generic version. |
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Generic drugs aren't used by most people. |
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Fact: |
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A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients and is available in the same strength and dosage form as the equivalent brand name product. |
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The manufacturing process of all drugs is strictly regulated by the U.S. government and the same standards are met by all manufacturers. |
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A generic drug meets the same stringent performance and bioequivalence standards set by the U.S. federal government as the brand name drug. |
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A generic drug is as safe and provides the same therapeutic effects as the brand name product for patients of all ages. |
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Many of the generic drugs approved by the FDA are manufactured by companies that also make brand name drugs. |
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Health care professionals strongly support the use of generic drugs. |
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There were 77 generic drugs on the list of the top 200 drugs sold in the U.S. in the year 2000. |
