Generic and brand-name medications are designed to work similarly with the same ingredients. Brand names are the original name given by the inventor and developer of a medication product. A brand name product is created by a company responsible for developing and marketing it. Generic drugs, called “copy” or “bio-equivalent” drugs, are copycat versions of brand-name drugs. Here are some of the differences between generic and brand-name medications.
1. Appearance
Generic medications are often white or off-white, and the product should be odorless. The medication box or label may be larger than the brand name. An expiration date may also be placed on the packaging for the generic version. Typically, brand-name drugs are white, rounded, and shiny. They frequently have a childproof cap design and may have a capsule appearance. Brand-name drugs are also sold in smaller bottles with child-resistant lids. You cannot tell a brand-name drug from a generic version by the product’s appearance alone.
2. Cost
Brand-name medications cost more than generic drugs. The prices for brand-name products vary depending on the company making the drug. On average, you will pay more for a brand-name drug than a generic one. The price of a generic medication will vary from product to product based on the manufacturer, retail pharmacy store, and the brand name product costs. Using an RX discount card can be a great way to help lower the cost when purchasing brand-name medication. The card gives users access to coupons and rebates often provided by manufacturers, which can be used at local pharmacies.
3. Availability
Generic medications are available from numerous sources, including online pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and drug store chains. Brand-name drugs are only available from particular pharmacies. Sometimes, brand-name products may be available outside of your neighborhood pharmacy. Generic medications are available at local pharmacies. Brand-name drugs are generally only available at specialty pharmacies. To obtain a brand-name medicine, you must have a prescription from your doctor. Some brand-name medications are available over the counter at some pharmacies.
4. Efficacy
Generic and brand-name medications are equally effective in treating your condition. There is no significant difference between generic and brand-name products regarding effectiveness. To be labeled a generic medication, an active ingredient must have been proven by clinical trials. The FDA has approved some brand-name drugs based on anecdotal evidence, but they are not extensively studied in clinical trials. Both generic medications and brand-name drugs undergo clinical testing before they are available for purchase. The FDA requires extensive information (information included with the drug itself, notably its active ingredients and the time and place where they were tested) and a clinical trial to prove its effectiveness.
5. Competition
Generic medications are available from numerous manufacturers across the US. The number of manufacturers and their product lines for generic medication varies widely among states. The competition among manufacturers makes it easy for consumers to choose a less expensive but equally effective brand-name drug instead of a more expensive generic medication. Both generic and brand-name medications contain the same ingredients, so there is not much competition between the two drug products. Brand-name manufacturers may have the opportunity to develop a generic version of their medication.
6. Ease of Use
Generic medications are easy to use. The pill form of generic drugs is similar to that of a brand-name drug. The pill shape and color may differ from the brand name product due to differences in manufacturers. It is easy to find information about generic medications online because many websites provide patient education resources and other information. The FDA maintains a list of generic medicines that can be found on its website. However, there may be less information on brand-name products. Some websites have information about brand-name products, but you must check with your pharmacist for more detailed information about these medications.
7. Packaging
Generic medications are packaged similarly to their brand-name counterparts. Both types of medication come in pill form and generally come in the same dosage strengths. Generic medicines pills may not have any markings other than “GR,” which stands for “generic.” You will also see the letters “AP” on the packaging of a generic drug. Brand-name drugs tend to use more colorful and attractive packaging. They may also be sold in different-sized bottles and are often packaged with a childproof cap. Brand-name drug companies rely on their packaging to attract consumers to their products.
There is no significant difference in quality between brand-name drugs and generic pharmaceuticals. Both types of medication are as effective as the other. Brand-name pharmaceuticals are more expensive than generic products. Both types of products have the same active ingredients, which are equally effective in treating your condition.