Generic Medication: Same Active Ingredient, Different Price Tag

What makes a generic a generic

A generic contains the same active ingredient, in the same strength and dosage form, as the brand-name original. What changes are the inactive ingredients - binders, coatings and colorings.

Why the price gap is so large

Brand pricing reflects years of research and marketing. Once a patent expires, manufacturers can produce the same molecule without repeating that spend, and competition pushes prices down sharply.

What to check on the label

• Active ingredient and strength in milligrams
• Manufacturer name
• Batch or lot number and expiry date

Are they equally effective?

Regulators require generics to demonstrate bioequivalence to the original. For most people the clinical experience is indistinguishable, though inactive ingredients can matter if you have a specific allergy.