To recoup its research costs, the manufacturer has limited options other than charging a higher price for the new drug before its patent expires. Quality is maintained because the FDA applies the same stringent requirements on the manufacturing of generic products as on brand products. The generic medicine looks different from the brand. Sometimes the generics look or taste a little different than brands. Otherwise, there isn t much difference.
Generics cause no more side effects than brand products.
In rare cases, a person may have a side effect caused by a dye, a flavor, or something other than the medicine itself. These types of reactions can also happen with brand name products. Sometimes, side effects that may be perceived as due to the generic product may likely be the same side effects as expected from the brand product. Most people want the best value for their money. One way to save money on prescriptions is to ask their physician for generic drugs.