Brand name or generic prescription drugs...Canada's Online Pharmacy explains...

If you have ever wondered what the difference is between generic and brand name prescription drugs, Canada's Online Pharmacy wants you to have all the information so you can save your money.

Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, route of administration, side effects, risks, safety, and strength as the original brand-name drug. Their pharmacological effects are exactly the same as those of the brand-name version.

Many people can become concerned because generic drugs are often substantially cheaper than the brand-name versions. They could wonder if the quality and effectiveness have been compromised to make the product less expensive. Food and Drug Association's worldwide requires that generic drugs be as safe and effective as brand-name drugs.

Generic drugs are less expensive because the manufacturers have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug. When a company brings a new drug onto the market, the firm has already spent substantial money on research, development, marketing and promotion of the drug. A patent is granted that gives the company that developed the drug an exclusive right to sell the drug as long as the patent is in effect.

As the patent nears expiration, manufacturers can apply for permission to make and sell generic versions of the drug; and without the start up costs for development of the drug, other companies can afford to make and sell it more cheaply. When multiple companies begin producing and selling a drug, the competition among them can also drive the price down even further.

So there's no truth in the myths that generic drugs are manufactured in poorer-quality facilities or are of a lesser quality then brand-name drugs. The same standards apply for all drug manufacturing facilities, and many companies manufacture both brand-name and generic drugs. In fact, the FDA estimates that 50% of generic drug production is by brand-name companies.

Another common misbelief is that generic drugs take longer to work. Food and Drug Associations requires that generic drugs work as fast and as effectively as the original brand-name products.

Sometimes, generic versions of a drug have different colors, flavors, or combinations of inactive ingredients than the original medications. Trademark laws in the United States do not allow the generic drugs to look exactly like the brand-name preparation, but the active ingredients must be the same in both preparations, ensuring that both have the same medicinal effects.

Whether you buy generic or brand-name prescription medications we will always offer you, our valued customer the lowest possible price.

Visit www.canadasonlinepharmacy.com or call us 1800.956.0256 anytime for a comprehensive list of all prescription and non-prescription drugs, generic and brand versions and their prices!