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About generics

When a brand-name drug's patent protection expires, generic versions of the drug may be approved for sale. The generic version works like the brand-name drug, and is the same in quality, strength, purity and stability. Generic drugs must meet the same quality and safety standards as brand-name drugs and must be reviewed and approved by the FDA.¹

Building awareness of generic drug options together
Fast facts on generics
Patent expirations
References

Building awareness of generic drug options together

In recent years, a number of factors have led to double-digit growth in the cost of prescription drugs:

The number of new brand name drugs entering the market has risen steadily.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have spent billions of dollars promoting them through direct-to-consumer marketing.
Utilization rates have soared as an aging population has grown to rely on sophisticated - and often expensive - branded prescription medications.
The resulting pressure on prescription benefit sponsors has led to a quest to find less expensive, yet equally safe, alternatives. The use of generic drugs is one of them.

Fast facts on generics:

Generics contain the same active ingredients and meet the same strict FDA standards as their equivalent brand-name drugs.²
A generic drug must deliver the same amount of active ingredients into a patient's bloodstream in the same amount of time as the brand-name drug. ²
Brand-name firms account for an estimated 50 percent of generic drug production.
Generic drugs generally cost 30% to 60% less.

Patent expirations

To the view the latest information on patent expirations, please click on one of the links below:

Download significant new first-time generics 2012 here
Download anticipated first-time generics 2012-2026 here

References

1. FDA/CDER. Food and Drug Administration Web site. You know that question that goes through your mind when you take your generic drug? Here's the answer. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133809.htm
2. FDA/CDER. Food and Drug Administration Web site. Facts and Myths about Generic Drugs. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingGenericDrugs/ucm167991.htm

Help your patients save money. Discuss lower-cost generic drugs. Download PDF