Generic drugs have essentially the same dosage, strength, intended use, side effects, safety, method of administration and risks as brand-name drugs. They are manufactured in a quality-controlled environment and contain identical active ingredients. Even packaging instructions are basically the same as brand-name drugs.  

The differences between generic and brand-name drugs are essentially price and appearance. Generic drugs generally cost between 15 and 60 percent less than their brand-name counterparts. This disparity is because generic drugs do not require the same research, development, marketing and promotion necessary for brand-name drugs.  

Brand-name drugs typically receive patent protection for approximately 20 years that gives the manufacturer the sole right to sell the drug. After the patent expires, other companies can sell generic equivalents, but because of trademark laws the generic drug cannot look exactly like the brand-name version. The generic equivalent duplicates active ingredients, but may have a different color or flavor. Generic versions also must be thoroughly tested and receive approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  

Today there are approximately 7,000 generic drugs available and almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generics. Americans save as estimated $8 billion to $10 billion annually using generic equivalents instead of brand-name drugs. For more information about generic drugs, visit the FDA Web site at www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/index.htm.