Generic drug is a term used to define any drug that is equivalent to a brand-name drug in dosage, strength, route of administration, safety, performance, and intended use Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs and must pass the same quality standards as the original brand-name drug. They are usually much cheaper than their brand-name counterparts since companies do not need to spend the funds to re-invent the drug. In the absence of patent protection, companies can create generic versions, or “generics”, of the drug and compete with each other in the market, driving prices down.
Generic drugs are considered equally effective and safe to the brand-name drug, generally as a result of years of testing and review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The generic drug must have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the original drug, and must meet the same criteria for bioequivalence set by the FDA.
Here are five of the best examples of generic drugs:
1. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a generic drug used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
2. Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a generic antibiotic that is used to treat many bacterial infections, including ear infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.
3. Sildenafil (Viagra) is a generic drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
4. Trazodone (Desyrel) is a generic antidepressant used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
5. Metformin (Glucophage) is a generic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin sensitivity.
Generics are a great way to save money on prescription drugs without sacrificing quality or safety. All generic drugs must meet the same criteria for safety, efficacy, purity, and bioequivalence as their brand-name counterparts, so consumers can be confident that they are getting the same medication.