Generic vs. Brand Name Medications

When caring for a child or loved one, there can be many questions regarding medication options, and what options are safe and appropriate medications. They may be concerned that the generic may not be as effective, that its lower cost suggests lower quality, or that it might have different side effects. However, generic drugs are required to be just as safe and effective as the name-brand product. 

How Generic Medications Compare

Medications consist of two main components: the active ingredient, which provides the therapeutic effect, and inactive ingredients, which are used for various purposes such as appearance and taste.

For a generic drug to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it must:

• Contain the Same Active Ingredient: The active ingredient in the generic medication must be identical to that in the brand-name version.

• Match in Strength, Dosage, and Administration: The generic drug must have the same strength, dosage form, and must also be taken the same way as the brand-name drug. That means generic medications deliver the same amount of drug as the brand-name version. The only difference is in the inactive ingredients. 

Why the Price Difference?

Despite their similarities to brand-name drugs, generic medications can be 80-85% cheaper, which might raise concerns for parents who worry that lower prices reflect lower quality. Here’s why generics are so much more affordable: 

• Lower Development Costs: Generic manufacturers do not incur the high costs associated with developing a new drug, which includes extensive clinical trials and lengthy research. They use the existing data from the brand-name drug’s development process.

• No Advertising Costs: Generic manufacturers generally do not spend heavily on advertising. Since generics are typically promoted by doctors and insurance plans due to their lower cost, manufacturers save on marketing expenses.

• Increased Competition: Once the patent for a brand-name drug expires, multiple manufacturers can produce generics, leading to competition that further drives down prices.

What About Side Effects?

In rare cases, inactive ingredients in a generic medication might cause reactions in some patients, but these instances are uncommon. Reactions can occur when switching between different manufacturers, whether between brand and generic or among different generics. Most patients, however, will not notice any difference. 

The Bottom Line

Parents should understand that generic drugs are not of lesser quality and are overall beneficial to both patients and the entire healthcare system. They provide cost savings and more access to medication for patients and their insurance companies. Ultimately, the availability of generics is an indication of a safe and successful drug. Medical providers and pharmacists are available to discuss which options are best for patients.