What Are Generic Drugs?

Generic drugs contain same active ingredients, in the very same strength, as brand-name drugs. When a medicine is first developed, the pharmaceutical company that discovers and markets it receives a patent on its new drug.

Brand-name drugs are generally given patent protection for 20 years from the date of submission of the patent. This provides protection for the innovator who laid out the initial costs (including research, development, and marketing expenses) to develop the new drug. However, when the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce competitive generic versions.

Generic drugs are marketed under a non-proprietary or approved name rather than a proprietary or brand name. Manufacturers mostly use the name of active ingredient for their generic drugs developments. For example, ?ac=Product&id=11" amoxicillin is a chemical ingredient found in a number of brand-name ?ac=Category&id=3" antibiotics , but is also a name of some generic antibiotics.

Generic drugs are as effective as, but much cheaper than, brand-name drugs. According to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, in 2009, the average retail price of generic prescription drugs was $34.34. The average retail price of brand-name drugs was more than three times higher: $119.51. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement does not prevent governments from requiring accurate labeling or allowing generic substitution. Indeed, it is argued that competition between drug companies and generic producers has been more effective than negotiations with drug companies in reducing the cost of drugs, in particular those used to treat HIV/AIDS. Because of their low price, generic drugs are affordable for everyone.

Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug. New drugs are developed under patent protection. The patent protects the investment - including research, development, marketing, and promotion - by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while it is in effect. As patents near expiration, other manufacturers can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. Because those manufacturers don't have the same development costs, they can sell their product at substantial discounts. Also, once generic drugs are approved, there is greater competition, which keeps the price down. Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.

Generic Medications are mostly manufactured in India or Asian countries. The reason is simple – factories there are cheaper to uphold and maintain due to lower salary rates. But it does not mean that the quality of the generic products is worse, than brand meds. Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must meet the same standards of good manufacturing practices. The FDA won't permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. The FDA conducts 3,500 inspections a year to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms are linked to an estimated 50 percent of generic drug production. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but sell them without the brand name.

If you are looking for quality generics, check international online pharmacy store US-ePharmacy for the availability of needed medications.