Generic Pharmaceuticals vs. Name Brand When a prescription is written, it is almost always filled with a generic, when possible. This is because it saves the consumer money. Often, though, patients do not realize what the differences and similarities are between name brand and generics. These differences can be beneficial to others, or, as a pharmaceutical company may tell you, require that you stick with the name brand. Definitions of Name Brand and Generic When speaking about name brand and generic medications, it is important that you know the definition of each. This ensures that you know why one is the name brand, and another is not. Name Brand: This is the first drug created with its active ingredient and intended use. The pharmaceutical company has researched, tested, and marketed the drug and has a patent on it, so that others cannot copy it. Generic: When the name brand patent expires, other companies can then add the drug to their production line. There are differences in how it is created, though. Similarities of Name Brand and Generic Pharmaceuticals Name brand and generic drugs are almost identical. When the pharmaceutical distributor, like A Plus Corporation, receives these, the active ingredients are the same. This ensures that it works properly to heal or maintain your health. Along with the active ingredient, both drugs have the same side effects, dosage and administration instructions, and risks. Many people believe that generics are less safe; however, name brand and generic pharmaceuticals have the same safety levels. Differences of Name Brand and Generic Pharmaceuticals When you are purchasing your prescription, the main difference you will note is the price. The reason is not that one is better than the other, but the upfront costs of the name brand. Due to the research and marketing, the creator has to make more money to cover the expenses. Generic brands did not have these costs to cover and, therefore, can charge less. Pharmaceutical suppliers, like A Plus Corporation, know that there is also a difference in the inactive ingredient list between generic and name brand. The generic drugs can use different preservatives, dyes, or flavorings that change the appearance and taste of the drug. It is because of this difference that some people cannot use the generic. There may be an inactive ingredient that someone is allergic to. It also many not always work correctly for some. Name brand Synthroid, for example, is used to treat hypothyroid conditions. The generic, Levothyroxine, works well for most people, but, for certain thyroid conditions, like Hashimoto Syndrome, it does not maintain proper TSH levels. This is due to a narrow therapeutic index. Statistics on USA Pharmaceuticals When you are looking at the differences and similarities between name brand and generic drugs, there are interesting statistics to consider.
FDA patents last for 20 years before a generic can be applied for Generic medicines cost up to 80 percent less Almost 50 percent of prescriptions are filled with generics In 2008, a name brand drug averaged $135.90, while its generic counterpart averaged $35.22 before health insurance Generic drugs are tested for bioequivalence, or the amount of time it takes to enter the bloodstream, and its concentration A pharmacy can switch between generic and name brand without any notification Name brand and generic equivalents are not available only in prescriptions. Many over-thecounter drugs provided by pharmaceutical wholesale distributors are also available in both. The generic, again, is generally a small percentage of the cost and uses different inactive ingredients. Unless recommended by your doctor, trying the generic is safe and can save you money. About A Plus Corporation: For a decade, A Plus Corporation has been providing brand name and generic medications worldwide. The company is licensed by the California State Board of Pharmacy and registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. This enables A Plus Corporation to safely and securely export drugs throughout the country and to USA-friendly countries. Summary: There are a few differences between generic and brand name pharmaceuticals, such as cost and inactive ingredients. Some people, though, are unable to use generics due to these differences. Tags: pharmaceutical wholesale distributors, pharmaceutical company, pharmaceutical suppliers, USA pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical distributor