How many generic names may a drug have

This means that a generic or brand name version of the same medicine will be of the same quality, and have the same action.

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In this article What are generic and brand names? Combination products Generic prescribing What about quality of medicines? Want to speak to a pharmacist? Generic medicines tend to cost less than their brand-name counterparts because they do not have to repeat animal and clinical human studies that were required of the brand-name medicines to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. In addition, multiple generic drugs are often approved for the same single product; this creates competition in the marketplace, typically resulting in lower prices.

The reduction in upfront research costs means that they are typically sold at substantially lower prices. FDA established the Drug Competition Action Plan in to further encourage robust and timely market competition for generic products to increase competition so that consumers can get access to the medicines they need at more affordable prices.

Patents and exclusivities can affect when and how a generic drug can be marketed New brand-name drugs are usually protected by patents that prohibit others from selling generics of the same drug. For branding purposes, generic drugs are not exactly the same in look, color, tastes and shape as the brand name drugs and must have its unique brand name.

These areas of differences are noticeable between brand name and generic drugs and among generic drugs as well. It means you will get different drugs names with the same active ingredients, and this active ingredient is what refers to the generic drug.

Trade laws forbid generic drugs to look exactly like the brand-name drugs but must all have the same active ingredients for the same medicinal effects. These differences often come from non-active ingredients used such as the dyes, fillers, and preservatives, which help to determine the size, shape and color. If your prescription is for a brand name, but your doctor permits generic substitution, the drug label will indicate the active ingredient.

So despite differences between brand name and generic drugs, active ingredients are the same, effectively. However, talking to your doctor before filling your drug list will guarantee you are getting the right drug. You are not to assume a drug is the same just by looking; it takes an understanding of active ingredient composition to decide. Generic drugs are cheaper than brand name drugs; will this not affect the quality of the drugs? If you are concerned that generic drugs are cheaper and may affect the quality, you are not alone.

The food and drug administration FDA works to make generic drugs as safe and effective as brand name drugs. Other companies that file for approval to market the off-patent drug must use the same generic name but can create their own brand name. As a result, the same generic drug may be sold under either the generic name for example, ibuprofen or one of many brand names such as Advil or Motrin. Generic and brand names must be unique to prevent one drug from being mistaken for another when drugs are prescribed and prescriptions are dispensed.

To prevent this possible confusion, the FDA must agree to every proposed brand name. However, doctors often use the brand name on prescriptions, because it is easier to remember and doctors usually learn about new drugs by the brand name. Generic names are usually more complicated and harder to remember than brand names. Brand names often suggest a characteristic of the drug.

For example, Lopressor lowers blood pressure, Glucotrol controls high blood sugar glucose levels, and Skelaxin relaxes skeletal muscles.

The term generic, when applied to such items as foods and household products, is used to describe a less expensive, sometimes less effective or lower-quality copycat version of a brand-name product. It is not enough for them In fact, generic drug makers manufacture many brand-name products for companies that control the brand names. Sometimes, more than one generic version of a drug is available. For example, many manufacturers sell versions of acetaminophen , a nonprescription drug commonly used to relieve pain and fever.

In the United States, a company that develops a new drug can be granted a patent for the drug itself, for the way the drug is made, for the way the drug is to be used, and even for the method of delivering and releasing the drug into the bloodstream. Thus, a company often owns more than one patent for a drug.