Yes generic prescription drugs are equal to brand. Brand is patented by a company first. As you accurately observe, the main difference between generics and brand-name drugs is the cost. Generics cost less than a third as much as their brand-name counterparts. Once the patent runs out other companies make the same drug with same ingredients. It is copied and made cheaper. They are the same ingredients and do the same job. All in all the generic might end up quite a bit less or more potent than the branded drug.
It is better to keep in mind that although the ingredients and stated potencies may be the same for both brand and generic meds, other characteristics may cause them to differ in the body. These companies pay large amounts of money to catch your attention, and that money factors into the cost you pay. The best example involves sustained-release products. There has been some anecdotal evidence suggesting some types of drugs may react significantly differently between the generic and brand. However, according to the FDA, they all undergo and meet the same strict regulations for safety and efficacy. Still, some docs may not want to risk even the small chance that a generic will react differently from the brand. But remember, with most generics, you’re probably not going to see any difference at all, except you might find a bit more cash in your pocket.
It is better to keep in mind that although the ingredients and stated potencies may be the same for both brand and generic meds, other characteristics may cause them to differ in the body. These companies pay large amounts of money to catch your attention, and that money factors into the cost you pay. The best example involves sustained-release products. There has been some anecdotal evidence suggesting some types of drugs may react significantly differently between the generic and brand. However, according to the FDA, they all undergo and meet the same strict regulations for safety and efficacy. Still, some docs may not want to risk even the small chance that a generic will react differently from the brand. But remember, with most generics, you’re probably not going to see any difference at all, except you might find a bit more cash in your pocket.
