When a new drug is discovered, the company that discovered it would apply for patency to prevent other companies from producing and selling the drug. This patency may take up to 20 years and during this period, the company will produce and sell the drug under a brand name to recover its investment and make a profit. With time, this name becomes synonymous with the drug. But after the patency expires, other companies are allowed to produce a similar drug. It is what gave rise to brand and generic name in drugs.

What is the difference between brand name and generic drugs?

The difference between brand name and generic drugs is in the circumstances of producing the drugs. While brand name drug refers to the name giving by the producing company, generic drug refers to a drug produced after the active ingredient of the brand name drug. Generic drugs will, however, be sold under different brand names, but will contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug. But with regards to the effectiveness of the drugs, generic drugs have the same quality active ingredient as brand name drugs. All drugs must comply with strict directive and supervision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and equivalent institutions in other countries.

For branding purposes, generic drugs are not exactly the same in look, color, tastes and shape as the brand name drugs and must have its unique brand name.

These areas of differences are noticeable between brand name and generic drugs and among generic drugs as well. It means you will get different drugs names with the same active ingredients, and this active ingredient is what refers to the generic drug.

How brand name and generics drugs differ?

Different inactive ingredients: In a brand name and generic drugs relationship, the difference is the inactive ingredient contained in the drugs. Since what the FDA is particular about is the active ingredients, generic and brand name drugs’ inactive ingredients are different. It is why it is important to look through the ingredient list on the drug label to see if there is any ingredient not good for you.

Cheaper than the brand name drugs: the cash price and insurance co-pay is typically lower. The cost can be lesser between 20 and 80 percent. It is meant to be because generic drugs companies do not bear the same investment costs as the brand name company.

Different manufacturers: Different manufacturers produce generic drugs, and you will receive your type of drug depending on which manufacturer your drug store uses.

Why do generic drugs are different in colors and flavors?

Trade laws forbid generic drugs to look exactly like the brand-name drugs but must all have the same active ingredients for the same medicinal effects. These differences often come from non-active ingredients used such as the dyes, fillers, and preservatives, which help to determine the size, shape and color.

This is the reason why patients are advised to follow doctor’s prescription because your doctor is able to match your history and some inactive ingredients in a particular generic drug that may cause adverse reaction in your body, whereas the branded or some other generic version of the same drug might not.

- Rose Medical -