Buy Generic Drugs

Many people who take medication regularly wonder whether they should buy generic drugs rather than name brands. Generic drugs are virtually identical in composition and strength to their name-brand counterparts. They must deliver the same therapy to the body and work well for the illness or condition being treated. Generic drugs do not have to be absolutely identical; small chemical differences may exist. But they must be equally effective and safe.

Before U.S. consumers are permitted to buy generic drugs, the U.S. FDA must approve them. The FDA requires manufacturers to show that the generics are equivalent in efficacy to the name brands; in other words, companies must show that their generic products work just as well.

Why would a doctor or pharmacist suggest that a patient buy generic drugs? The main consideration is price. Generic drugs are not patented and because of that, their price can be lower, sometimes much lower, than the name brands.

People making the decision to buy generic drugs sometimes wonder if they are as safe as the more familiar products. The FDA's standards of safety apply to generic drugs and studies have shown that generics on the market are safe. All drugs can have side effects, however, and the prescribing doctor should make sure that a generic will not have any unexpected risks before allowing patients to buy generic drugs. If doctors and pharmacists exercise the same care in dispensing generics as they would with name brands, such as checking for cross-interactions, safety need not be a special concern.

Where can someone look to buy generic drugs? They are available at most retail pharmacies. Online pharmacies are also a source where patients can locate and buy generic drugs. Prices may be even a little lower online and quality will not be diminished.

Generic drugs are a safe and good value.