As per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) they are copies of brand-name drugs and are the same as those brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.

All generic drugs approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have the same high quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs. And, the generic manufacturing, packaging, and testing sites must pass the same quality standards as those of brand name drugs.

Generic drugs can help you obtain a substantial savings on the cost of medications

It’s important to speak with your doctor regarding the use of generic medications whenever available.

As an incentive, some health insurance or pharmacy plans have lower co-pays for generic drugs.

Changing to Generic

Ask your doctor if there's a generic equivalent to the brand-name drug you are taking. And be sure to ask about generics whenever you are prescribed a new medication. Sometimes a generic version is not yet available for certain brand-name medications. If your doctor writes "dispense as written" on your prescription, then your pharmacist must give you the exact drug as stated. But if your doctor does not make that note, your pharmacist may be able to automatically switch you to a generic counterpart as soon as one becomes available.

Find a generic match

Visit the FDA website for the latest list of FDA-approved generic drugs.