Why Generic Products

Generic means a replica of the original product, a generic product comes into being when the patent of the original product expires. In terms of safety, quality, performance and route of administration, generic products are as effective as their brand equivalent. With the effect being same as the brand name, generic products are available for a cheaper price.

It is known that when a patent on the product expires, other companies make the generic version. Generic products are manufactured in the same way as the brand name products. These products cost less mainly because of less advertising and marketing strategies.

Generic products are known to be as safe as the brand name products, as they meet with the same rigorous standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It works in the same manner as its brand name counterpart. It delivers within the same amount of time frame and with the same effect. The side effects of the generic products are the same as those of the brand name products.

Doctors are known to choose generic products over the brand name products, as it has often proved to be more effective as compared to its brand name. Around 80 percent of all generic products are made by the same company which makes the brand name.

Its safety

• All products are reviewed for its safety and effectiveness by the food and drug administration.
• The manufacturer has to provide adequate proof to the FDA if it has the same chemical compound as compared to the brand name.
• The product has to match up the standards put up by FDA regarding the amount of active ingredients and the speed absorption into the body.
• The quality remains the same with better value.

Generic products are known to differ slightly where it’s a matter of inactive ingredients. The FDA has granted permission to the manufacturers to use fillers and dyes, which are inactive ingredients and it does not affect the safety and the performance of the drug.

Thus generic products

• Are of the same dosage form, route of administration and strength as the branded product.
• Therapeutically same.
• Have the same active ingredients as compared to the branded product.
• Meet with the strict guidelines of strength, purity, identity and quality as per FDA standards and regulations.

Note
Not all products have a generic available; your doctor should be consulted before starting the use of any product.