Some people become concerned about the effectiveness and quality of generic drugs over their name brand equivalent. This can be attributed mostly to the cost of the products. Generic drugs are far less expensive and thus the myth was created that these are manufactured in poorer quality facilities, are a poorer quality, or take longer to work then the brand name drugs.

In reality, the FDA estimates that over 50% of generic drugs are produced by brand name companies. The FDA applies the same standards for all drug manufactures for both generic and name brand drugs.

The cost difference is mainly due to the cost to research develop a new drug and bring it to market along with marketing and advertising. The company that develops the drug is granted a patent to be the exclusive manufacturer of that drug, when the patent expires other companies may then apply to the FDA for permission to manufacturer the drug. Since they do not have the substantial up front investment they can sell their product cheaper.

The FDA requires that generic drugs work as fast and as effectively as the original brand name product. Trademark laws in America do not allow generic drugs to look exactly like the brand name, so generic drugs may have a different color, shape, or taste but the active ingredients must be the same insuring that both have the same medical effect.

Generic drugs are copies of the original name brand drug. They have the same dosage, pharmaceutical effect, intended use, and risks as the original.

Some examples of this are Medique Ibuprofen compared to Advil or Motrin and Medique Non-Aspirin (Acetaminophen) compared to Tylenol.

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