Public Trust: Generic versus Branded Drugs

Consumers are often wondering whether to buy generic rather than branded drugs. They may result to asking their physicians, the pharmacist, other people they know, or even try online search.

The main advantage of using generic drugs is quite obvious: they are much cheaper than their branded counterparts, because the companies that manufacture them have bypassed the long, expensive process of research and marketing undertaken by the original manufacturers. Although the generic drug manufacturers claim that their products are as safe and effective as the more sophisticated labeled counterparts, some consumers and even their physicians may not give their full trust and confidence to these claims. Some believe that although both may contain identical active ingredients, there is a difference in the inert ingredients contained in these. Inert or inactive ingredients may affect the absorption and availability of the active ingredients to the body.

The US Food and Drug Administration requires that generic drugs should be as efficacious and safe as the branded drugs. According to the government agency, an estimated 44 percent of all prescriptions in the United States are filled with generic drugs. These medications are essentially produced with the same indications, strength, quality and effects as the branded ones. However, due to trademark laws, they are not allowed to look identical, such as in color and appearance. Not all brand-name drugs have generic counterparts. The former are protected by patent laws for 20 years before they can be duplicated by other companies, adhering to the strict requirements by the FDA.
So how do branded drugs compete in the market? In spite of the gaining demand for generics, popular consumer preference for brands such as Viagra, Cialis and Tamiflu remain, and this may be based on favorable experience with the safety and effectiveness of the drugs. Names that are easily remembered for their reputation and reliability may be difficult to substitute, especially to patients who put much premium to the health.

For more information about generic drugs, consult your physician, pharmacist and the FDA website (www.fda.gov).

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.