Generic and Brand Name Drugs

Is there a difference between Generic and brand name drugs?

I've researched opinions and articles in the web and here's what I found. At times of crisis, Generic drugs could save you money, more so, your life.

Generic drugs do not work slower or have less strength or efficacy as compared to brand name drugs. The BFAD in the Philippines, as well as Food and Drugs agencies in other countries, requires generic drug manufacturing plants use the same quality control standards as the brand name manufacturer. So basically, this means there is no essential difference between generic and name brand prescription drugs other than the price.
Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. In other words, their pharmacological effects are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts.

Generic drugs may sometimes be shaped differently from brand names, such as a generic tablet versus a brand name capsule. But they still have the same active ingredients and are manufactured to the same standards as brand name medications. Generic drugs look different than brand name drugs because trademark laws do not allow generics to look exactly like brand name drugs. Colors, flavors and other inactive and inert ingredients such as fillers may be different.

Switching to a generic medication will save you money and now may be wondering about how generic medications compare to their brand name counterparts. Knowing the facts about generics versus brand names can help make you a smarter shopper.