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What's the difference between generic and brand-name prescription drugs?

FDA-approved generic drugs must meet the same U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards of quality and purity as brand-name drugs. FDA-approved generic versions have the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts are equal in strength and dosage. Sometimes drug manufacturers use different inactive ingredients in generic versions, which may affect its shape, color, size or taste.

(This FAQ answer provided by Express Scripts.)

Reviewed 2015-07-07