June 22, 2009
Generic Medications
By Carol Carbutti
Generic medications are copies of brand-name medications that have the same dosage, use strength, side effects, safety, risks, and route of administration. Since trademark laws do not allow the generic medications to look the same as the name brand medications, they will have different colors and shapes. The active ingredients will be the same in both generic and brand name form.
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires generic medications to be as safe and effective as the brand-name medications. Generic medications are usually lower in cost due to cost of marketing and developing in the medications. The cost of the brand-name medications is in developing, research, marketing and promoting the new medication. The drug company applies for a patent to develop the new medication and sell exclusively for as long as the patent is in effect. Once the patent expires, other companies can apply to the FDA for permission to make and sell the generic form of the medication. Since these companies have not had the expense associated with the development and research, they can produce and sell the medication at a lower cost.
There is not a generic medication for every brand-name medication due to the length of patent protection. The patent is protected for 20 years, before anyone can apply for permission to make and sell a generic form. Generic versions of the brand-name medications cannot be introduced by other drug companies until they have been tested by the manufacturer and approved by the FDA. Generic medications, ranging from infant to elder care, can be purchased for in home use anywhere that medicine is sold.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Topics: Uncategorized |
Comments
« New Inhome Care Ageny Owner of Comfort Keepers | Home | Connecticut non medical in home care agency writes about the need for seniors to share their life’s stories with other generations »
