Generic Medicines - Good Health in Less a Cost
Generic Medicines -- Good Health in Less a Cost
Generic drugs are very common these days. These medicines are found almost everywhere, from your traditional over-the-counter pharmacy to online pharmacy. It is now the more preferred medicine over the branded ones. People are starting to be more aware of its advantages and efficiency when it comes to providing cure for their illnesses.
Generic drugs are not new in the market. It has been offered way back in the 1920's with different procedures and regulations. It was only in 1984 when these drugs are moderated through the Hatch-Waxman Act. Hatch-Waxman Act is responsible for monitoring the price and quality of the generic dugs sold in the market.
What are generic drugs - exactly
Drugs are known to have two names. These are the brand name and the chemical name. The brand name is the marketing or commercial name of a drug while chemical name of the medicine is its generic name. Generic drugs are medicines which are manufactured and distributed without any brand name. The important thing here is that the companies should follow the restrictions and regulations regarding the production of generic drugs before bringing it out to the market.
Generic Drug and Brand-name Drug -- A Comparison
Generic drugs are less expensive compared with the brand-name counterpart.
Brand-name drugs are developed from the start. The companies do the necessary research and development. They are also concerned with the clinical testing of the product before bringing it out in the market. Once produced and distributed to the consumer, they are also responsible in developing the advertisement and information sharing regarding their new product. The reason why they are priced higher than its genetic counterparts is because they have to take back their expenses for establishing the said drug. The estimated cost of manufacturing and developing a new drug is around $800 million.
Generic drug companies on the other hand, also make research and development with the medicines that they manufacture. The process that they do is reverse engineering. They breakdown the medicine to be able to identify its different ingredients and components. The research team makes sure to note the important information to develop the generic drug. After the research has been made, the company now develops the medicine which will be marketed to consumers. Since the generic medicine is bioequivalent with the branded medicine, they no longer do testing on the safety or effectiveness of the drug. This was previously made by the branded medicine.
The generic drug maker need not spend anything on advertisements or marketing strategies to make the product known because it was already introduced by the branded drug. These are the reasons why generic drugs will really cost less as compared to branded drugs. Moreover, generic drugs tend to cost lesser when there are more generic drugs of the same kind (from competitors) in the market.
Generic drugs and brand-name drugs are identical in structure and components
Generic drugs are bioequivalent to its branded counterpart. Bioequivalent meaning, it has the same effect when it is administered to an individual, considering that it has the same dosage and presumed effect. The manner of administration as well as reasons for use are the same.
The only difference between the two drugs is its personal appearance and packaging. Under the trademark law of US, it is stated that there should be no identical yield in the same line type of products. Each item should be unique and has its own identity. So as you may have observed, generic drugs have different shapes, color and flavor as compared to its brand-name counterpart. These medicines also have a different style of packaging so as not to mistaken it with any other product.
You can check on some examples of generic medicines offered at this site: www.genericpharmacy-rx.com. Here are clearer examples to differentiate the brand name medicines from its generic counterparts.
Consider this medicine with the generic name "Cipro." This is a medicine for treating infections such as urinary tract infection that causes pyelonephritis and acute uncomplicated cystitis. The brand name for this medicine is "Ciproxin" which is distributed by Bayer. Cipro and Ciproxin are the same in terms of chemical structure. The only difference is the price. The former is almost half a price cheaper than the latter.
Another example is the Furosemide. This is the medicine prescribed for edema and congestive heart failure. Lasix is the brand name for Furosemide, which is widely produced by Sanofi-Aventis. Check from your local over-the-counter pharmacy how much a Lasix costs and you'll be surprised how much you will save with the generic Furosemide.
Your Friendly e-pharmacy Ordering generic drugs is also easier now. Instead of lining up in pharmacies, you can just visit sites of online or e-pharmacies. One of the most trusted e-pharmacy is genericpharmacy-rx.com. The drugs offered here are cheaper as compared to its competitors. Their inventory of medicines are guaranteed to have passed the qualifications set forth by the Bureau of Foods and Drugs. There are several testimonies on their site stating how happy their customers were with the product and with services that they provide.
genericpharmacy-rx.com is more than just an online-drugstore, it is also a friend. It gives you comfort when you feel low. It supports you when you have low budget and stand beside you until you are feeling good again.
These days, 50% of most prescriptions are generic drugs. In a couple more years, it is expected to go up to 75%. More companies are developing more generic drugs, making it as competitive and as efficient as brand-name drugs.
about the author
The difference between a brand name medicine and a generic one is in the name, shape and in the price. A generic drug is usually called by the name of the active ingredient while a manufacturer uses a brand name. However, a manufacturer cannot possess a patent for a certain chemical agent, this is why manufacturers of generic medications can legally produce the so-called "generics".
