Brand Name vs. Generic--What's the Difference?

When your physician writes a prescription, a choice is made: Generic or Brand Name. Is there a difference?

Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as the brand-named one, but they usually cost less. They are just as safe and have to be FDA approved in order to be prescribed.

Why do generics exist? When a pharmaceutical company comes out with a new drug, they have patent protection for up to 20 years. Once that expires, other companies can begin selling a generic version after they test the drug and get FDA approval. The drug may look different, but the active ingredients don’t change.

So when your doctor prescribes a generic brand, know you are getting the same benefits of the brand name, at a fraction of the cost.

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