What is the difference between a Brand Name and Generic Drug?
A brand name drug is marketed under a specific trade name by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. In most cases, brand name drugs are still under patent protection, meaning the manufacturer is the sole source for the product. A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The generic drug is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug but is sold under its chemical or “generic” name. Are generic drugs as effective as brand name drugs? A generic drug contains the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The strength and purity of generic medications are strictly regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. The FDA requires all generic manufacturers to demonstrate that a generic drug will have the same medical effect as its brand name equivalent by measuring the rate and extent of drug absorption. The generic drug should treat illnesses or conditions with the same effectiveness and safety as its
Once a Drug company has developed a brand name product, they can apply for a patent. If granted, they are given a 15-year patent life. This prevents anyone else from marketing this product until the patent expires. The prices on these products are usually high due to the amount of research and development that that particular company put into its development. Once the patent expires, anyone who is approved by the FDA can begin to market that product as a generic drug. Of course, they will have no research and development cost, so they can sell their product for a much lower price. Many brand name companies will manufacture their drug to sell to generic companies once their patent expires. The active ingredients in these medications are exactly the same as their brand name counter-part, although the inactive ingredients and fillers do not have to be the same. If you have a question or concern about whether to use a particular generic, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more informati
A. A pharmaceutical manufacturer markets a Brand Name drug under a specific trade name. In most cases, brand name drugs are still under patent protection, meaning the manufacturer is the sole source for the product. A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The generic drug is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug but is sold under its chemical or “generic” name.
Related Questions
- A non-preferred drug is a medication that has been determined to have an alternative drug available that is clinically equivalent. If I am taking a brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available, at what co-payment level will this drug be available?
- Aetna RX charges like price for brand drug Altace and Ramipril which is the Generic. Is this officially recognized?
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