It's well-established that both brand-name and generic prescription medications utilize the same active ingredients and work in the same ways to target the medical issue at hand. So, what, then is the difference between these two types of drugs? Below is an overview of the subtle distinctions between brand-name and generic prescriptions.

Names

When a drug company first develops a new medication, they spend years researching, experimenting, testing, developing, and conducting clinical trials to ensure the drug is safe and effective. Once the drug is deemed beneficial by the FDA, the manufacturer is granted a patent on the drug, but the patent only lasts for a set time; upon expiration, other manufacturers can start making the drug using the same ingredients. But these other manufacturers must use a different name for the drug, so the most obvious difference between brand-names and generics are the names. While the brand-name is something that marketers decided on, the generic name is often the name of the drug, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Appearance

Another difference between brand-name prescriptions and generics is appearance. A generic may have a different size, shape, or color than the original brand-name product. If a pharmacy orders from multiple drug companies, there's a chance that your medication will look slightly different each time you order a refill. This is no reason to be alarmed as this is quite normal.

Price

The biggest difference between brand-name and generic drugs is cost. Generics are cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. This is because generic manufacturers don't face the initial costs that go along with developing and testing the drug, so they do not need to recoup the investment that the original manufacturer must. The savings are passed on to you, the consumer.

Though there may be variances in name, appearance, and price, brand-name and generic prescriptions are equally effective. If you need either type, Medical Center Pharmacy can help, whether that means a new prescription or a refill. They have been serving Wayne County, MO, for over 40 years; in addition to medications, they offer a full line of medical equipment, diabetic supplies, and greeting cards. To order a prescription, call them today at (573) 223-4235 or visit their website.