Generic Vs Brand name drugs

[NCaggie]

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Hey everyone,
NC aggie here again. Thanks for your input on my other thread, it was really appreciated. I have another question that I would like to get some feedback on. What is the real difference between generic and brand name drugs and why are generic drugs so much cheaper than brand names? And in general, what do clients prefer?

 

[medtechv79]

I'm not a chemist or pharmacist but I think essentially they work the same way but there might be one ingredient in the brand name drug that differs from the ingredient in a generic drug. That's why its cheaper. THey might use a substitute ingredient in the generic drug. Essentially they kinda work the same...but that's just my opinion.

 

[medtechv79]

I think it varies with ppl with what they prefer. My dad is cheap and he likes generic drugs. THey work for him and why should he pay more? For me I like some brand name drugs like Benadryl....other antihistamines don't work well for me. I bought one generic drug once and I had a bad reaction toit... but all this is just my experience!

 

[VeganSoprano]

The active ingredients should be absolutely identical.

 

[chicoborja]

The active ingredients are identical; I believe inactive ingredients may differ (i.e. colorings which may trigger allergic reactions in some people). In addition to being composed of the same drug, they must also be put through rigorous FDA trials that show no significant statistical difference. The reason that generics are so much cheaper is that the generic manufacturer does not have to recoup R&D costs that the trade brand manufacturer had to occur, not because the drug is any different in any way except shape or color