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Brand Vs. Generic Drug

How do brand name drugs and generics differ?

When scientists develop a new drug for the first time, they give it a generic name reflecting its chemical makeup. Once FDA approves the drug, the manufacturer markets it with a brand or trade name which is usually shorter and easier to remember. A drug company can hold exclusive patent rights to make a drug for 20 years after its discovery. After that, any other company can start making generic versions of the drug.

Are generic drugs safe like brand name drugs?

Generic drugs work as well as their brand-name siblings, and often cost significantly less. This is possible not because of lower quality, but because research and advertising costs are much less for generics. Many insurance plans encourage you to accept the generic version of a drug whenever it's medically safe. Most states let pharmacists substitute a generic drug when appropriate and when your doctor approves it.

When shouldn't generics be substituted for brand name drugs?

Very few drugs have a "narrow therapeutic index," meaning that a small variation in dose can cause problems, such as too little effectiveness or too many side effects. With some drugs, including phenytoin (brand name Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), digoxin (Lanoxin), warfarin (Coumadin), lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith), levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl), and theophylline (Theo-Dur), you shouldn't switch from brand to generic—or vice versa—without your doctor's approval and close supervision. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or both before asking for a substitute.