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Discount Drug Prescription: More Information on Generic Drugs
A generic drug is an exact copy of the brand name version with respect to dosage, safety, strength, dosage method, quality, performance, and intended use. Generic drugs are required to be as safe and effective as brand name drugs, and since they use the same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body, they have the same benefits as well as risks. They are also required to have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as their brand name versions. Since generic drugs work in the same way as brand name drugs, they take the same amount of time to become effective.
If generic drugs are the same as brand name drugs why are they less expensive? They are less expensive because generic manufacturers do not have to invest the money that is needed to develop the new drug. New drugs are protected by patents which protect the research, development, marketing, and promotion. However, when a patent expires, generic versions are allowed to be created and sold. These companies do not have the same development costs do they are able to sell the product at a reduced price. For example, in the 1950s, when the analgesic acetaminophen was developed, it was only available under the brand name Tylenol. Today, acetaminophen can be found in many other pain relief products, including generic and store brand versions. Today, approximately half of the brand name drugs on the market have a generic version available. It is common thought that brand name drugs are manufactured in more modern facilities than generic drugs, but this is not the case. Both brand name and generic facilities are required to meet the same standards. Sometimes, the generic drugs are even made by the brand name facility and sold without the brand name.
If generic drugs have the same ingredients why do they look different? This is due to trademark laws, which do not allow a generic drug to look identical to the brand name version. Although the active ingredients must be the same; colors, flavors, and certain other active ingredients may be different.
To find out more information about generic drugs, and if there is one right for you, talk to your doctor or call us at Buylowdrugs to talk to a registered pharmacist.
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