Generic and branded drugs- similarities and differences

Some patients have the misconception that generic drugs are inferior to branded drugs. They may be uncertain about the use of generic drugs initially but are actually more likely to adhere to treatment when prescribed cheap generics.

How generic and brand name drugs are similar?

Generic and brand drugs have same active ingredients and are as effective as branded drugs. Bioequivalent drug formulations have the same bioavailability. That is the same rate and the extent of absorption. New drug formulations must comply with the standards established by FDA. If the generic drug is bioequivalent, it is assumed that it will produce the same therapeutic effect as the brand drug. This means that no new clinical trials for generic drugs are needed.

There is a common misconception that generic drug concentrations can range from 80% to 125% of the brand drug formulation; In other words, the variance can be up to 45%. This is not true.

One of the key parameters of bioequivalence is the area under the curve (AUC). AUC is a mathematical calculation based on a blood concentration versus time and correlates well with total drug exposure.

The AUC of a generic formulation must be no less than 80% or no more than 125% of the brand drug formulation. There is a global consent that differences within this range are not clinically meaningful.

More importantly, the 90% confidence interval of the AUC must also be between 80% and 125%. Let's remember that the confidence interval is a range of measurements in which we can be certain that the true result resides. Therefore, for the entire confidence interval ranging from 80% to 125%, the variance is generally less than 5%.

Generic drugs are sometimes produced by branded companies. These drugs can be called ultra-generic or pseudo-generic.

How are generic and brand drugs different?

Although the active ingredients are the same, the inactive ingredients (excipients) may differ. They can differ in size, shape, colour and cost. This is only important in rare cases when a patient has an allergy or sensitivity to one of the excipients.

The biggest difference is the cost. Generic drugs are generally cheaper than brand counterparts.

Why do generic drugs cost less?

Generic pharmaceutical companies do not have the expense to research and develop a new chemical entity. There is usually a competition between generic drug manufacturers.

How do you know if a generic drug is safe?

We at Mediklik gives you a detail information about generic drugs including its typical usage, safety information, dosage, pregnancy safety information, warnings, side effects and drug interactions. So you can check it before you take it.

When could it be impossible to change brands?

Some patients may have allergies or intolerances to the excipients such as lactose, gluten, sulfites or tartrazine. For these patients, check the drug excipients on mediklik to make sure you are taking it in a right way or not.

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