Common Or Popular: The Difference Between Generic And Branded Medications}

Submitted by: Brent McNutt

Controversies nowadays rise from questions about the difference between generic and branded drugs. Some say that branded drugs are more effective while others say that the only thing different about the two is the price. This might lead you to a confused decision too. Read along the article so that you will know where generic and branded medications differ.

Generic drugs are drugs that can be bought for a cheaper price. These are sold at cheaper prices because companies that handle the production do not need to have studies for the drug. They also do not have advertisements for these generic drugs. These drugs are required to have the same composition with branded drugs by drug authorities. For example, if you are going to buy a pain killer, you can look for mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid is the main component and the generic name of the drug. A pharmaceutical company has the right to give it another name though, a name registered only to their company, but the active ingredient will still be the same. So when the ingredients are the equally similar, these medications will still have the same dosage, the doctor will still have the same orders for the frequency of use, the effect of these medications and its use will still remain the same.

On the other hand, branded drugs come from pharmaceutical companies which have exclusive rights over the name they have given that specific drug. The price is a bit higher compared to generic drugs. These branded drugs have undergone studies and research before being distributed and sold to the public compared to generic drugs which have not undergone such process.

However, research about these matters claim that not all generic drugs are as effective as branded drugs. In US, there can be a difference of about twenty percent in the quality of the active ingredient used which is allowed by authorities. It means that a company of generic drugs can produce a medication which has twenty percent less active ingredient compared to the branded counterpart. These drugs can also differ when it comes to the time it takes to have an effect on the body. Due to difference in manufacturing, other drugs may be absorbed by the body rapidly while others may be absorbed at a slower rate.

The important thing to remember is checking if the drug is approved by the proper drug authorities who are responsible for monitoring and verifying. These drugs are considered safe as they have passed the requirements needed. Although people may have the notion that generic drugs bring about less positive outcomes, it does not mean that generic drugs are indeed not effective. Generic drugs are practical to use and can make you save more money. The only reason why branded drugs appeal more to the public is because they are more popular and have solid evidence of its efficiency through lab studies. In general, as long as it is FDA approved, it can be considered safe to use.

About the Author: Brent McNutt enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells

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