Commonly Asked Questions About Generic Drugs and Brand-Name Drugs

		What are generic drugs?
		Does every brand-name drug have a generic drug?
		Why do brand-name and generic drugs look different?
		Where can I learn more about generic drug products?

What are generic drugs?
Generic drugs are drugs that work the same way in the body as brand-name drugs. They have the same risks and benefits. Generic drugs are as safe and effective as the brand-name drugs.

Generic drugs are the same as brand-name drugs in the following ways:

• Contain the same active ingredient. The active ingredient is the chemical in the drug that does the work to make you well.
• Identical in strength and dosage form.
• Used to treat the same conditions or diseases.
• Require the same dosing.
• Manufactured under the same strict conditions.

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Does every brand-name drug have a generic drug?
No, not every brand-name drug has a generic drug.

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Why do brand-name and generic drugs look different?
Because the colors and flavors in the drugs may be different. Everything else is the same as the brand-name drug. The different look of generic drugs does not alter their safety or how they work.

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Where can I learn more about generic drug products?

• Ask your physician or pharmacist for more information about generic drugs.
• Visit the FDA's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/index.htm.
• Check the Horizon NJ Health Web site for a list of our covered brand-name and generic drugs.

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References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Center for Drug Evaluation and Research." Accessed: February 13, 2004. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/index.htm.
2. Generic Pharmaceutical Association. Accessed: February 13, 2004. Available at: http://www.gphaonline.org.