Genericlääkkeet

Genericlääkkeet, also known as generic drugs, are medications that have the same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use as a brand-name drug. They are typically produced after the patent on the original brand-name drug has expired. The primary difference between a generic drug and its brand-name counterpart is the price; generic versions are usually significantly less expensive.

The development of generic drugs is regulated by health authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe. To gain approval, manufacturers of generic drugs must demonstrate that their product is bioequivalent to the brand-name drug. Bioequivalence means that the generic drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches its target site in the body at the same rate and to the same extent as the brand-name drug.

The use of generic medications is encouraged by healthcare systems and governments worldwide as a cost-saving measure. By offering more affordable alternatives, generics can increase access to essential medicines for a larger population and reduce overall healthcare expenditures. Patients can often discuss generic options with their pharmacists or doctors to determine if they are suitable alternatives for their prescribed medications. The safety and efficacy of generic drugs are considered equivalent to their brand-name counterparts.