The moment we all dre
ad — waking up from a long night’s sleep to a scratchy throat and achy body. You know this is the sign of a nasty cold about to grace you with its presence. Your first reaction is to rummage through the medicine cabinet or run to the store to get some medicine in your system; because life doesn’t stop for the sniffles. When you choose a medicine, there are an overwhelming amount of options. One of the most distinct is whether to choose a brand name drug or stick with the generic option. But how do you choose? Whether you are on a long-term medication that requires a prescription, or just need some cold medicine, it’s important to be well informed about what you’re putting in your body, and the difference between medications. That’s why we’re here — to break down the difference between generic and brand name drugs.
To begin, a generic drug cannot go on the market until the patent on a name brand drug has expired. Patents on drugs can last upwards of 20 years. Generic drugs are required to have the same active ingredients as name brand drugs. However, their inactive ingredients do not have to be the same. According to drugs.com, most inactive ingredients do not alter the therapeutic action of a drug. Examples of inactive ingredients include dyes, preservatives, and flavoring agents.
The FDA also requires that generic drugs be taken the same way as name brand drugs — for example as a pill or a liquid. They must have the same strength, use and effect, testing standards, and be able to reach the bloodstream in the correct time and extent as name brand drugs.
All of this sounds great, but we know what you’re thinking – are generic drugs as effective as name brand drugs? To put it simple, the answer is yes. The fact that generic drugs are cheaper — costing 80 to 85 percent less — does not mean quality is jeopardized. In fact, the FDA released studies comparing cardiovascular generic drugs to name-brand drugs, and there was no evidence that brand name drugs performed better than its generic counterparts.
Generic drugs are cheaper because clinical trials are not required like they are for new drugs, which can be costly. In addition, generic drug makers do not have to pay for marketing and promoting their product. The only requirement is to prove the generic drug is as effective as the name brand product.
The FDA monitors reports of adverse side effects on all drugs, including generic. Oftentimes reactions occur due to an active ingredient in the drug. It is important to note some inactive ingredients can cause reactions. Examples of these are sulfites, lactose, aspartame, benzyl alcohol, and more. It’s always important to consult your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a medication you are taking.