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Generic versus Brand

Paying More for a Name? The difference between Generic and Brand Name Drugs

Pinched by the economy lately? Gas prices too high for you? Then why not ask your doctor and pharmacist about generic drugs next time you go to pick your prescription up? They are cheaper and appear to look different than name brand prescriptions, but are made out of the same components. Generic brands of Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) and Levitra exist. Consumers spend more for these drugs typically because they are paying for the name Viagra and Levitra. The biggest difference is that you, the consumer, are paying for a brand name and not the medication itself.

With gas prices soaring across the country, people have resorted to cutting expenses where they can. People want to save money as much as possible. So why would anyone want to pay more for brand name drugs, like Viagara and Levitra, when they can buy cheaper, generic brands?

Most consumers don�t realize that over half of all drugs currently on the market have a generic, cheaper counterpart. Some might shy away from buying these generic prescriptions, thinking that they are less effective than the brand name ones. This happens to be a common myth among consumers. The truth is, generic drugs are made out of the same things that brand name drugs are. Instead of having the manufacturer assign a brand name, like in the case of Viagra or Levitra, generic drugs are labeled by their chemical name. For instance, amoxicillin is the chemical name for Amoxil, which are both penicillin-based medications, which help fight infection. The only difference - the name.

Most states have passed standards for generic drugs. The Federal Trade Commission website states that generic drugs must be "generally equivalent to its brand name counterpart," meaning that is has the same chemical properties, same strength and dosage of the brand name. The Federal Trade Commission website also states that the standards for generic drugs require them to be "therapeutically equivalent." This means they will have the medical effect as the brand name drug. So both Viagra and its generic counterpart will both help with erectile dysfunction, however one will be more expensive than other because of its name from the manufacturer. It�s almost like a trademark and you the consumer are paying for the rights to use it.

Not all drugs, however, have a generic counterpart yet. Patients can protect these prescriptions and some are protected by company monopoly on its production. However, when a drug�s patent expires, generic forms of it may become available on the market. In some cases, doctors will only prescribe the name brand drug. In this instance, a pharmacist can only fill the brand name prescription. If not specified, the pharmacist may recommend generic, if it is cheaper and readily available. The Food and Drug Administration has set up a hotline for those consumers with further questions about generic vs. brand name drugs. The number to call is 800-532-4440.

So if generic drugs are essentially the same as a brand name drug, why are they cheaper? This is because alternative or smaller pharmaceutical companies manufacture these drugs. These companies usually don�t invest in large things like research and development and media campaign. Another reason for consumers pay so much for a drug like Viagra is because its manufacturer has television commercials that are on TV. Ten times a day. Research, development and advertising can significantly increase the price of a product.

Ask yourself this the next time you are at a drugstore picking up your prescription. Why as a consumer, should I pay more for a drug when a cheaper, same quality one exists? Why should I pay for all the research, development and advertising for this product? If generic is available, buy it! It is the same product as the brand name drug, just less expensive!