Key Reminder
Compared to brand name medications, generic medications have the same:
- Active ingredient
- Strength
- Form (capsule, tablet, injection)
- Onset of action
- Delivery methods (mouth, eye, ear)
Resources
References
- Generic Drugs. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs . Updated November 21, 2019. Accessed February 17, 2020.
- Shrank WH, Choudhry NK, Agnew-Blais J, Federman AD, Liberman JN, Liu J, et al. State Generic Substitution Laws Can Lower Drug Outlays Under Medicaid. Health Aff. 2010;29(7):1383- 1390. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0424 . PubMed PMID: 20606192 ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3103121 .
- Meadows M. New FDA initiatives to improve drug reviews and reduce legal loopholes. FDA Consumer Article. 2003. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm134448.htm .
- Meadows M. Saving money on prescription drugs. FDA Consumer Article. 2005. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm134215.htm
- Andrade C. Bioequivalence of generic drugs: a simple explanation for a US Food and Drug Administration requirement. J Clin Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;76(6):e742-4. doi: 10.4088/JCP.15f10094. PMID: 26132680.