• Generic drugs are medications that are equivalent to brand-name drugs in terms of dosage, strength, route of administration, quality, and intended use, but they are usually sold under their chemical or scientific name rather than a brand name.
• In other words, generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs and have the same active ingredients, safety, efficacy, and intended use.
• When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it is granted a patent, which gives the company the exclusive right to sell the drug for a certain number of years.
• Once the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell generic versions of the drug.
• These generic versions must demonstrate bioequivalence to the original brand-name drug, meaning they have the same rate and extent of absorption of the active ingredient into the bloodstream.
• It’s important for patients to discuss with their healthcare providers and pharmacists if they have any concerns about switching from a brand-name drug to a generic version.
• Overall, generic drugs play a crucial role in providing affordable and accessible healthcare by offering equivalent alternatives to brand-name medications.

Key points about generic drugs

• Active Ingredients: Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts. The active ingredient is the chemical substance responsible for the drug’s therapeutic effect.
• Safety and Efficacy: Generic drugs are required to meet the same rigorous standards for safety, efficacy, and quality as brand-name drugs. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, review and approve generic drugs to ensure their equivalence to the brand-name versions.
• Cost Savings: Generic drugs are typically less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. This can lead to significant cost savings for consumers and healthcare systems, making essential medications more affordable and accessible.
• Appearance and Packaging: While generic drugs have the same active ingredients, they may look different from the brand-name version. This includes differences in colour, shape, size, and packaging. However, these differences do not affect the drug’s safety or efficacy.
• Regulatory Approval: Generic drugs must go through a regulatory approval process to demonstrate their bioequivalence to the brand-name drug. This involves showing that the generic version is absorbed into the bloodstream at the same rate and extent as the original drug.
• Availability: Once a drug’s patent expires, multiple generic versions may enter the market, increasing competition and further lowering prices.