Generic Equivalents for Brand Name Drugs: A Comprehensive List

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/09/14 - Updated: 2024/08/23
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Topic: Pharmaceuticals - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Alphabetical list of brand name drugs with their generic equivalents, providing easy reference for brand-to-generic substitutions. A brand name drug in the U.S. is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is supplied by one company - the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Introduction

What Are Generic Drugs?

Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs and are the same as those brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. All generic drugs approved by FDA have the same high quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs. And, the generic manufacturing, packaging, and testing sites must pass the same quality standards as those of brand name drugs. Approximately half of all brand name drugs on the market have generic versions.

Main Item

A generic drug may have a different color or shape than its brand name counterpart, but it must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form (i.e., pill, liquid, or injection), and provide the same effectiveness and safety as its brand name counterpart.

Generic drugs are less expensive than brand name products, and so the amount you pay as part of your prescription drug cost-sharing is less than what you pay for brand names. In addition, most plans charge you a lower copay if you use generic drugs. Further information on Generic Drugs.

What Are Brand Name Drugs?

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A brand name drug in the U.S. is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is supplied by one company - the pharmaceutical manufacturer. The drug is protected by a patent and is marketed under the manufacturer's brand name. Whereas a generic medication, also approved by the FDA, is basically a copy of the brand name drug and is marketed under its chemical name.

Each U.S. state has a law that allows pharmacists to substitute less expensive generic drugs for many brand names. However, if your doctor specifies that a brand name must be dispensed, then the pharmacist may not substitute the generic. Sometimes an acceptable generic is available that your doctor may not be aware of. In this case, your pharmacist may be able to consult with your doctor to suggest an effective medication that costs less.

Table of Generic Equivalent Drugs

List of brand name drugs and their Generic Equivalents sorted alphabetically by brand name followed by generic name - (This list is not inclusive of all generic drugs or brand names)

Generic Drug Facts and Statistics

• In 2010 the use of FDA approved generics saved $158 billion, an average of $3 billion every week.
• The U.S. FDA requires generic drugs have the same high quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.
• Generic drugs are cheaper than brand name drugs because the manufacturer does not have to spend money to discover and test the drug.
• Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.
• When it comes to price, there is a big difference between generic and brand name drugs. On average, the cost of a generic drug is 80 to 85 percent lower than the brand name product.
• Prescriptions may be issued for drugs specifying only the chemical name, rather than a manufacturer's name; such a prescription can be filled with a drug of any brand meeting the specification.
• There are laws in the United States that say that a generic version of a drug cannot look the same as a brand name version. Just because two versions of the drug do not look the same does not mean they act differently in the body.
• In 2011, generics accounted for about three-quarter of the volume of pharmaceuticals covered by basic health coverage in Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Denmark, while they represented less than one-quarter of the market in Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Japan and France.

Related Information

• List of Benzodiazepines: Types and Medicinal Use - Explanation of Benzodiazepines (Benzos) including a list of common Benzodiazepine brand and other names, their medical purpose and uses - Disabled World
• Are Generic Drugs the Same as Brand Name Medications - Explains the differences and similarities between brand name drugs and their equivalent generic drug brands - Disabled World
• FDA Issues Guidance on Generic Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Development - Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb M.D. on steps to promote development of generic versions of opioids formulated to deter abuse - U.S. FDA

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.