Health Benefits
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Saturday, July 12
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Health Benefits
    • Home
    • Dental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Weight Loss
    • Health Wiki
    • Nutrition
    • Healthy Recipe
    Health Benefits
    Home»Facts»6 Common Questions Concerning Generic Drugs
    Facts

    6 Common Questions Concerning Generic Drugs

    By RichardMarch 5, 2022No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Image credit: www.pexels.com/@babydov

    According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nearly 9 out of 10 prescriptions filled in the United States are generic drugs. This means that you have probably consumed a generic drug if you have ever had your prescription filled at your local pharmacy. Although the numbers are pretty high, many people are still confused about generic drugs.

    A generic drug contains the same active ingredients a brand-name drug has. This means that it also carries the same therapeutic effects. In other words, it is safe for you to take a generic drug as an equal substitute for the brand-name drug counterpart.

    6 Frequently Asked Questions

    The following are frequently asked questions concerning generic drugs that can help you learn more about them:

    What is the difference between a generic drug and a brand-name drug?

    As mentioned earlier, generic and brand-name drugs both have the same active ingredients. Some differences between the two are allowed by the FDA. These differences are usually seen in the color, shape, packaging, flavoring, labeling, and preservative.

    In the US, when a pharmaceutical company develops a new prescription drug first and introduces it to the market, FDA will allow the company to be the exclusive producer and seller of the said drug for a set period. Doing so will give the company an excellent opportunity to recoup the finances spent developing and marketing the new drug without any competition.

    The expiration of the set period usually takes 20 years after the company’s drug is first filed in the FDA. When that happens, a generic drug can then be marketed. Other manufacturers are then free to file an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to the FDA to market a generic counterpart of the brand-name drug.

    Are Generic Drugs Safe As Its Brand-name Counterparts?

    The answer is yes. It is vital to know that the FDA approves all the generic drugs before they reach the market. The FDA requires that generic drugs be as high in quality and pure, strong, and stable as their brand-name counterpart.

    Since generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, both types of drugs have the same benefits and risks.

    Why Are Generic Drugs More Affordable?

    As you may have noticed, generic drugs are cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. This is because the drug manufacturer does not need to duplicate the original clinical trials to prove safety and effectiveness (this lowers the cost of bringing the drug to the market). The less expensive cost does not have to do anything with the quality of the drug.

    Are Generic Drugs Always Less Expensive?

    Generic drugs are usually cheaper. However, when a generic drug is first produced and marketed with FDA approval, the cost may remain high for about six months. The FDA will give the drug manufacturer a 180-day exclusivity period. This exclusivity period is given to the drug manufacturer that first filed an ANDA and has made the valuable work to get the generic drug into the market.

    The exclusivity period will allow the drug manufacturer to be the first generic drug on the market for six months. Exclusivity means no competition in the market. That is why most generic drug manufacturers tend to charge a high price during this set period. On the bright side, there are several ways you can do to save money on generics, check out vyvanse savings program to know more.

    Should You Be Taking Generic Medication?

    It is essential to know that not all medications have a generic equivalent. The best way to know if a generic counterpart is available for the brand-name prescription drug you are currently taking is to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

    It will help to keep in mind that some health insurance providers will require you to choose a generic drug, if available. However, if you choose to buy a brand-name drug, you may end up paying for it yourself or have a larger copay.

    Pharmacists are legally allowed to substitute a generic drug for a brand-name drug. If your doctor strictly requires you to take the brand-name drug instead of its generic equivalent, he will typically write “do not substitute” on your prescription.

    Are Their Circumstances That Will Require You To Consider Before Choosing a Generic Drug?

    NTI or narrow therapeutic index drugs may need some special consideration if you plan to use the generic counterpart. NTI drugs have a restricted margin between the amount considered safe and effective and the amount considered toxic.

    Below are the generic drugs included:

    • Digoxin (can treat certain heart conditions)
    • Warfarin (a blood thinner)
    • Theophylline (treats COPD, asthma, and other lung diseases)

    It is essential to know that the FDA does not have any policy that restricts the use of NTI generics. However, some states have these laws. If generics are used in these states, precautions and additional monitoring are required.

    To Sum It Up

    Generic drugs and brand-name drugs have the same active ingredients. This means that it carries the same benefits and risks. However, it is best to remember that not all brand-name drugs have a generic counterpart. For you to know more about this, it will help to consult your doctor or a pharmacist near you.

    Comments

    comments

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleTop 8 Dental Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Smile Dazzling
    Next Article Keeping Your Teeth Pearly White: 12 Tips

    Related Posts

    What is Mitochondrial Optimizers?

    July 11, 2025

    Why Everyone Is Swapping Coffee for Matcha

    July 11, 2025

    What Is a Flexitarian Diet and Is It Healthier Than Vegetarianism?

    July 10, 2025

    Comments are closed.

    Categories
    • Beverages (78)
    • Dairy (28)
    • Dental Health (15)
    • Equipment (5)
    • Essential OIls (196)
    • Facts (2,884)
    • Foods (253)
    • Fruits (479)
    • Giveaway (1)
    • Grains and Cereals (32)
    • Health & Beauty (724)
    • Herbs and Spices (1,247)
    • Medicines (9)
    • Mental Health (19)
    • Nutritional value (27)
    • Nuts and seeds (69)
    • Oils (81)
    • Pets (4)
    • Poultry & Seafoods (67)
    • Pulses and Beans (16)
    • Reviews (25)
    • supplement (2)
    • Vegetables (302)
    • Weight Loss (22)

    What is Mitochondrial Optimizers?

    Why Everyone Is Swapping Coffee for Matcha

    What Is a Flexitarian Diet and Is It Healthier Than Vegetarianism?

    The Hidden Dangers of DIY Skincare Recipes

    What Is Moxibustion Therapy? Benefits, Uses, and Safety

    Do Ice Baths Actually Aid Muscle Recovery?

    ABOUT
    Home
    About us
    Contact us
    Privacy Policy
    Terms & conditions
    Disclaimer
    Direct Communication
    e-mail: [email protected]
    Gmail: [email protected]
    Useful
    Health Wiki
    Nutrition
    Houston Dentist
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    © 2025 www.healthbenefitstimes.com All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    ×

    Log In

    Forgot Password?

    Not registered yet? Create an Account