Q: What are generic drugs?
A: A generic drug is a brand equivalent to a national branded product which often sells for 30-80% less. The generic drug has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and has passed all FDA tests pertaining to formula, dosage, safety, strength, quality and performance.
Q: Are generic drugs safe for consumption?
A: Certainly! Generic drugs have the same efficacy as national brands. All FDA approved generic drugs will have the same standards as nationally branded products.
Q: Do generic drugs take longer to take effect?
A: No. Products will have the same active ingredients and thus perform at the same level as national branded products.
Q: Are national brands produced at better facilities than generic drugs?
A: No. Both branded products and generic drugs must meet the same standards as set by the FDA. The FDA will not approve products to be produced at substandard facilities. Often times, branded drugs and generic drugs will share the same facility. It has been estimated that approximately 50% of branded products are associated with generic drugs. Many will produce copies of the branded product and sell under a separate generic name.