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Generic Drug

Meaning

A Generic Drug is a pharmaceutical product that is chemically identical to a brand-name drug in terms of its active pharmaceutical ingredient, dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. Regulatory bodies require that a generic version demonstrate bioequivalence to the innovator drug, meaning it must be absorbed into the bloodstream and deliver the same amount of active substance at the same rate as the original, ensuring therapeutic equivalence for the patient. These medications become available after the patent protection for the original brand-name drug has expired, offering a cost-effective alternative.