When a drug company first invents a drug (i.e. Prozac) that company is the only one allowed to make that drug for a
certain number of years. After this time period, other companies are allowed to make the same drug. These drugs are
called generics. The original drug (i.e. Prozac) is called a brand name drug. Brand name drugs and their generics
are identical in terms of active ingredients. The generic pills may look different (because they are made by a different
company) but inside is exactly the same active ingredient which works in exactly the same way. The only difference
between brand name drugs and generic drugs is that generics are always less expensive. Please note that different
countries have different patent laws. As a result, certain countries may have access to certain generic medications
quicker than in other countries.