5 Generic Drug Myths

Despite the increasing prevalence of generic drugs in controlling healthcare costs and becoming widely accepted as an equal treatment option, myths continue to persist about generic drugs. 

The truth is this: Generic drugs are safe, effective, high-quality, and cost-effective. They’re the most common type of medication taken, making up 90% of dispensed prescriptions. Doctors, pharmacists, and patients worldwide rely on generic drugs to feel better, prevent illness, mitigate severe symptoms, and keep people healthy.

Below, we’re dispelling five of the most common generic drug myths to set the record straight.

Myth 1: Generics are Lower Quality

By law, generic drugs must be equivalent in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy. However, the myth that generic drugs are of lower quality can cause people to hesitate to order, stock, or use generic medications. With a better understanding of the rigorous procedures and application processes that generic manufacturers must complete to comply with federal regulations and meet FDA standards, we can dispel these rumors and reinforce the truth that generics are just as high-quality as brand-name drugs but without the hefty price tag that often comes along with them.

Myth 2: Generics Cause More Side Effects

For patients who have been taking a brand-name medicine for some time, the idea of switching to a generic version can conjure up feelings of unease and concerns about side effects. While apprehension to change is understandable, it’s important they know that generics legally must carry the same clinical risks and benefits as branded counterparts.

There will always be a very small chance someone reacts poorly to an inactive ingredient or dye found in a medication, whether branded or generic, so patients should speak to their doctor if they are concerned about any negative reaction they’re having to a drug. Patients with known allergies or negative reactions to color additives should always look out for these in the medication’s principal display panel or medication package insert before taking them. 

Luckily, branded drugs that have lost their exclusivity often have multiple generic versions available, so there may be a better generic more suited for these specific patients. 

Myth 3: Generics are Less Effective

According to the FDA, in order to get approval for a new generic drug, the “generic medicine must perform the same in the body as the brand-name medicine.” Generics have the exact same active ingredients as their brand-name versions and work in the body the same way.  They carry the same risks and benefits. Although generics may have minor differences in their makeup, such as different inactive ingredients, their effectiveness is the same. 

While slight variability may be present, a large research study found only a 3.5% difference in absorption into the body between branded and generic drugs without a pattern that necessarily favored one type or the other. Some generics were absorbed slightly more, some slightly less. This is clinically acceptable and not medically significant, ensuring providers and patients that they can expect the same experience and effects from taking a branded or generic drug.

Several studies support this data, finding no evidence that brand-name medications work any better than generic ones.

Myth 4: Generics Are Produced Through Substandard Manufacturing Practices

There’s a common misconception that generic drugs are produced in substandard manufacturing facilities or are not held to the same standards as branded drugs. In fact, generics are held to the same standards and must meet FDA approval before reaching the market. In order to get an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) approved by the FDA, generic manufacturers must prove that their medication is manufactured under the same strict standards as a branded version. 

Generic manufacturers must clearly explain how they will manufacture the drug with evidence that each step of the process will produce the same results. FDA scientists then review these procedures, and FDA inspectors are sent out to see the facility firsthand and verify that the manufacturer can capably make a consistent, safe, and high-quality product. Then and only then will manufacturers satisfy this one of many requirements to receive FDA approval.

Myth 5: Generics Are Unfamiliar, Thus Inferior

When someone is more familiar with a brand-name drug, they may feel more comfortable taking it than a generic drug they’ve never taken or seen advertised. This lack of familiarity can lead to skepticism about generic drugs, but in reality, the FDA requires generics to be equivalent to the branded version in terms of safety, efficacy, and quality. They also have the same strength, dosage, and route of administration. 

The only thing that may be unfamiliar about a generic drug is its appearance; generic medications legally can’t look the same as their branded counterparts due to trademark laws. But fear not, generics are as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re designed to replace. 

Equal Opportunity Healthcare

Generic drugs are essential in controlling costs and providing equal treatment options to those who need them. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the safety, efficacy, and quality of generic drugs. While hesitations are understandable, the myths surrounding generic drugs can easily be dispelled with a review of the facts set forth by the FDA regarding the production and sale of generic medicines.

With proper education and awareness, everyone can benefit from access to quality care at an affordable cost. 

Have questions about generic drugs, or interested in ordering high-quality, safe, effective, and affordable generics? Reach out to the WPRX team. We provide timely access to these essential drugs for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies, and we’re ready to help.