What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs?

Generic drugs are chemically identical to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they contain the same active ingredients and perform the same function in treating medical conditions. The primary distinction lies in the names and potentially the inactive ingredients used in the formulations, which can affect factors such as absorption or tolerability for some individuals, but generally, the therapeutic effects are the same.

Generic medications are marketed under their chemical name rather than a proprietary brand name and are usually available once the patent for the brand-name drug expires. This increased competition typically leads to more affordable pricing for consumers.

Understanding this distinction is essential for recognizing the equivalency in treatment options available to patients without necessarily implying a difference in quality or efficacy between the two forms of medication.