The Truth About Generic Medications: Are They Safe and Effective?

No American should have to choose between good health and poverty, but that’s a choice that many are forced to make. It’s not uncommon to hear of patients who ration medications, delay refilling prescriptions, or simply stop treatment because they can’t afford to pay for medications. Generic medications can help to close gaps in access to care, making it easier for patients to get affordable care. Today, generic medications are also accessible through some of the best online pharmacies, a fact that has contributed to their growing popularity.

Unfortunately, generic medications remain underused because of low awareness, with many patients perceiving them as less potent or unsafe. So, how safe are they really and does choosing generics mean that you’re settling?

What Are Generic Medications?

Generic medications are no different to brand-name medications, comprising the same active ingredients and in the same dosages. The only reason that they cost much less than brand-name medications is because they are made by a wide range of pharmaceutical companies who do not have to spend on research to develop the medications. They only include medications that are sold under the drug’s chemical or molecule name after the patent has expired – patents are normally valid for at least 2 decades, giving the company that developed the drug exclusivity with both production and sales. This allows the company to set its own prices to meet the costs of drug development and make profits that are often obscenely high.

Generic Medication Safety and Efficacy

Generic medications in the U.S. are regulated by the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), which is part of the Center for Drug Evaluation in Research. To be categorized as a generic medication a drug must be identical to the original brand-name or reference drug, having the same composition in terms of active ingredients, dose and quality, as well as performance, safety, and route of administration. This means that all generic medications sold in the U.S. meet the same regulatory requirements and go through the same rigorous approval process as brand-name medications.

This regulatory framework for generics is known as the FDA Generic Drugs Program. Under this framework, manufacturers of generics are required to comply with the same “Good Manufacturing Practices” rules as any other pharmaceutical company producing brand-name medications and they are required to demonstrate the same efficacy and must be indicated for the same use. Some generic drugs are identical to the brand-name version, except that they do not come with brand labels. These are termed as “authorized generic” drugs and a listing of such drugs is available from the FDA.

Nevertheless, generic medications that are not on the “authorized generic” drugs list but have FDA approval are just as effective and safe as any other medications. The only difference between brand-name or ‘authorized generic’ medications is that they have different inactive ingredients such as colors or flavoring. These differences cannot affect the efficacy, performance, or safety of the drug.

Generic Medications Can Lower Healthcare Costs

Prices of life-saving prescription drugs such as insulin and asthma medications can be higher than the mean price in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden by as much as 70 to 4,833 percent! Yes, you read that right. A 2024 study that evaluated medication pricing across 38 developed countries also found that prices in the United States were on average at least 2.78 times higher.

The price gap is most significant when we look at brand-name drugs. This poses a huge problem for more than 66 percent of all Americans who depend on prescription medications, especially for chronic conditions. Generic medications are the exception with some types even costing less in the U.S. than elsewhere. Not surprisingly, expenditure on generics accounts for just 17.5 percent of spending on medications, despite the fact that they comprise 90 percent of dispensed medications.

To find generic medications, start by talking to your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend generic alternatives to brand-name drugs, which are often more affordable. You can also ask your healthcare provider if there’s a generic version available the next time they’re giving you a prescription. If you buy your medications online, you can also look for a licensed platform that qualified pharmacists and doctors who can recommend generic alternatives.