Generic Drugs: Separating Fact from Fiction
Posted on February 02, 2018 |
What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs? Does the lower cost of a generic drug mean quality is compromised? There are many misconceptions about generics.
The COPD Foundation and the CHEST Foundation have teamed up to separate fact from fiction.
Fast Facts:
- Eighty-nine percent of prescriptions dispensed in the United States are for generic drugs
- Generic drugs cost 80-85 percent less than their originator brand-name products
- Generic products are required to have the same active ingredient as their brand-name counterparts
- Generic drugs are the same as a brand-name drug in terms of active ingredient, dosage, strength, safety, quality, the way it works and the time for it to work
It is important to note that the lower price of generics does not mean they are lower quality! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic companies to meet the same manufacturing standards as brand-name products. Learn more and download free educational materials at https://foundation.chestnet.org/lung-health-a-z/generics/.