Article: Generic and Brand Name drugs
What’s the difference between a generic and brand-name drug?
Not much, except for name and price. A generic drug is called by its chemcical name; a manufacturer assigns a brand name. The products have the same ingredients.
Standard practice and most state laws require that a generic drug be generically equivalent to its brand-name counterpart. That is, it must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form—pill, liquid, or injection. The generic drug also must be therapeutically equivalent —it must be the same chemically and have the same medical effect.
Do all drugs have generic equivalents?
No. Some drugs are protected by patents and are supplied by only one company. However, when the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce its generic version. Currently, about half the drugs on the market are available in generic form.
Will my doctor automatically prescribe generic drugs?
It depends on the physician. You can ask your doctor to write a prescription permitting substitution of a generic drug product when appropriate. You also can ask whether a generic product will be as effective and less costly. Or, you can request that only brand-name products be used to fill your prescriptions.
Original at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/generic.htm