Generic drugs and branded drugs are different in appearance but they have same therapeutic effect. The actual difference lies in name, cost, and marketing, not in its effectiveness.
Branded drugs are the medicines originally developed and researched by a pharmaceutical company after testing for many years, and clinical trials. These drugs are being sold under a specific brand name and are more expensive because the company do investments heavily in development, promotion, and patent protection.
Generic drugs, on the other hand are produced generally after the patent of the branded drug expires. They contain the same ingredients(API), in the same strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the branded version. Which itself says they work in the same way and provide the same therapeutic effect.
The main difference is price. Generic drugs are much budget friendly and cheaper because manufacturers do not have to repeat expensive research and marketing processes. However, they may show diffrence in color, shape, packaging, and inactive ingredients (excipients), which usually do not affect the drug’s performance.
In terms of safety and quality, generic drugs are ways strictly inspected and regulated and must meet the same standards as branded drugs before approval.
So, choosing a generic drug can be cost-effective and safe except the branded medicine.
Now you can choose according to your budget too as both have same therapeutic effects.
Were you aware about these differences?
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