Why is generic medicine cheaper

Once the patent expires, other manufacturers duplicate and market their own versions of the drug. Since the manufacture of these generic drugs do not involve a repeat of the extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy, it costs less to develop them. Generic drugs are, therefore, cheaper. However, because the compounds in the generic versions have the same molecular structure as the brand-name version, their quality is essentially the same.

In the case of non-scheduled medicines, i. Currently, in the case of Cetirizine, one of the most common anti-allergy drugs, the branded drug costs about Rs 35 for a strip of 10 tablets, whereas the generic drug costs approximately Rs How can the government ensure that generics, apart from being cheap, are also safe for the patient? Health insurance coverage : The purchase of brand names is not encouraged due to their high cost. However, this is not the case. Generic drugs work the same as brand name drugs in that they have the same quality, strength, suggested dosage, intended use, route of administration, effects, and side effects.

For instance, paracetamol and mefenamic acid are generic names of pain medications. There are several popular branded medicines that have generic counterparts in the market already. One of the reasons why misconceptions form about generic drugs is because of its cheap price tag. The low price is only because generic drug manufacturers are usually not the ones who developed, lab-tested, and marketed the drug. They also did not have to pay patent fees for it—which means cheaper costs to manufacture and sell to the public.

Here are the pros and cons of generic drugs below: Pros: Quality : Generic drugs are exact copies of their brand name counterparts. Cost : They are usually much cheaper than branded ones. The reduction in upfront research costs means that they are typically sold at substantially lower prices. FDA established the Drug Competition Action Plan in to further encourage robust and timely market competition for generic products to increase competition so that consumers can get access to the medicines they need at more affordable prices.

Patents and exclusivities can affect when and how a generic drug can be marketed New brand-name drugs are usually protected by patents that prohibit others from selling generics of the same drug.

Periods of marketing exclusivity for brand-name drugs can also impact the timing of generic drug approvals. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider to discuss generic medicines. Visit the FDA website at www. You can look up information on specific generic and brand-name drugs on the Drugs and Supplements page at MedlinePlus.

At www. A computer program determines whether there's a match for you among the various programs. Health care providers have to approve most applications for these assistance programs.

Got to medicare. You also can learn more about applying for help with Medicare prescription drug costs at ssa.