What are the Differences Between Generic Drugs and Brand Name Drugs?
The major difference between a brand name drug and its generic equivalent is the cost of the product. The company that originally manufactures a drug will spend a lot of money on research & development and marketing. these costs are then passed on to the customer. Maufacturers of generic medications can avoid these costs. Generics may contain different inactive ingredients from their brand name equivalents. These inactive ingredients can change the color and size of a generic drug. A generic drug may also have a different shape from its brand name equivalent. These differences are purely cosmetic and have no effect the efficiency of the drug. However, a small number of people may react to these inactive ingredients. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about any possible side effects that you may experience.