Generic Drugs

Generic drugs are medications that are identical or bioequivalent to brand-name drugs in terms of dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, and intended use. They contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drugs and are typically sold at a lower price. When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it is granted a patent that gives them exclusive rights to manufacture and sell the drug for a certain period, typically 20 years. After the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce generic versions of the drug, provided they meet the regulatory requirements set by the health authorities.