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2. What is the difference between a brand-name product and a generic product?

User Shrimpwagon
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1 Answer

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23 votes

Answer:

There are only two main differences between generic and brand-name drugs: The inactive ingredients, such as flavoring or preservatives, may change. Generics generally cost less than brand-name versions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unbranded generics are known by their chemical names like Amoxicillin for brand drug Trimox whereas branded generics are given brand names to promote patient recognition. Example: Cryselle (contraceptive pill). Its generic name is Norgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol.

An example of a generic drug, one used for diabetes, is metformin. A brand name for metformin is Glucophage. (Brand names are usually capitalized while generic names are not.) A generic drug, one used for hypertension, is metoprolol, whereas a brand name for the same drug is Lopressor.

Though the names are different, generic and brand-name drugs work the same. According to the FDA, generic drugs are just as effective as their branded counterparts. Generic name drugs typically cost about 80% to 85% less than branded drugs.