Brand vs Generic

It is easy to get confused when it comes to pick up an over the counter drugs at the drug store. You might hear about generic and brand name. Generic name is a name of the active ingredient. Brand name is the name given by the company that made the drugs. 

You might ask yourself which one is better? Generic drugs work the same as brand name drugs. 

The difference is the non-drug ingredients. They are used form into a pill, capsule, liquid, cream, etc. They are used to make the drugs taste better. They can add color to the drugs. They can help the body absorb the drugs. They can help you swallow the drugs easily. 

These ingredients do not change how the drugs work on your body. Some people need to take brand name or certain generic. This could be because of an allergy to an ingredient. 

Your friends and family might tell you to get the generic because it is cheaper. You might be worried the generic is cheaper because it is bad quality or will not work as good as the brand name. Generic drugs are safe to take and cheaper than brand name. The brand name drug is more expensive because it takes a long time to make. It also costs a lot of money to make the drugs for the first time.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. 

-APPE Class of 2021 Student.