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What are generic drugs?

Generic alternatives have the same chemical makeup and same effect in the body as their original brand-name counterparts. Though generics may have a different name, color, and/or shape, generics have undergone rigorous clinical testing and been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective.
Unlike manufacturers of brand-name drugs, the companies that make generic drugs don’t need to spend as much money on research and advertising. As a result, generic drugs cost less than the original brand-name drug, and the savings get passed on to you.

Reviewed 2017-10-30