Are generic drugs as safe and effective as brand name drugs?

Yes. The FDA requires generic drugs to demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand-name original, meaning they deliver equivalent drug levels in the bloodstream. They contain the same active ingredient at the same dose. Inactive ingredients (fillers, colorants, coatings) may differ, which occasionally affects tolerability but not clinical effectiveness.

Why do generic drugs cost less?

Generic manufacturers don't bear the cost of original drug discovery, clinical trials or initial regulatory approval. They also compete with multiple manufacturers producing the same generic, which drives prices down. The savings are typically 80-85% compared to the original brand.

Generic ↔ brand name converter

Q: What is the difference between generic and brand name medications?

A brand name is the proprietary name given by the original manufacturer (e.g. Lipitor). The generic name is the standardised international non-proprietary name (INN) for the active ingredient (e.g. atorvastatin). Generic medications contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and are bioequivalent, but are manufactured by different companies after the original patent expires.

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Search any generic or brand name to instantly find its equivalent. Results include drug class, manufacturer, generic availability status and common brand names worldwide. Covers 300+ medications.

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Generic vs brand names: understanding the difference

Every medication has at least 2 names. The generic name (or INN - International Non-proprietary Name) is the standardised scientific name for the active ingredient. The brand name is the proprietary name the manufacturer uses for marketing. Atorvastatin is the generic; Lipitor is the brand. Same drug, same dose, different price tag.

Why the same drug has multiple brand names

After a drug's patent expires, any manufacturer can produce a generic version under the active ingredient's INN. But they can also brand it under a proprietary name. So atorvastatin might be sold as Lipitor (Pfizer), Atorlip (Cipla), Atocor (Sun Pharma) and dozens of others internationally, all containing the same active ingredient at the same dose. The INN is the constant. The brand name is the variable.

When the generic name appears confusing

Patients sometimes receive a prescription where the brand name is familiar but the generic on the dispensed label is unrecognised. A patient who knows they take Prozac may not recognise fluoxetine on the bottle. This tool solves that immediately. Search either name and get the full picture. For checking whether a generic is safe to substitute in a specific patient, always consult a pharmacist. Some drugs (narrow therapeutic index medications like levothyroxine, warfarin, lithium) may require brand-to-brand consistency. Our Drug Interaction Checker can help assess safety before switching formulations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between generic and brand name?

The brand name is the proprietary name given by the original manufacturer (e.g. Lipitor). The generic name is the standardised international name for the active ingredient (e.g. atorvastatin). Generic medications contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and are bioequivalent, but are typically 80-85% cheaper.

Are generic drugs as effective as brand name drugs?

Yes, for the vast majority of medications. The FDA requires generics to demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand-name original. Inactive ingredients may differ, which occasionally affects tolerability but not effectiveness. Some narrow therapeutic index drugs (levothyroxine, warfarin, lithium) may require brand consistency - ask your pharmacist.

Why does my prescription show a different name than I expected?

Pharmacies typically dispense the generic version of a medication unless the prescriber specifies "dispense as written" (DAW). So a prescription for Prozac may be filled as fluoxetine, and a prescription for Lipitor may be filled as atorvastatin. Both are correct. Use this tool to confirm they match.