What is the Difference Between Branded and Generic Drugs?
Medicine for different diseases is distributed in two types which are branded and generic. Both types of medicines might be similar or different but work on treating the same disease effectively. However, we should know what is the difference between Branded And Generic Drugs to utilize them accordingly.
Having information and a clear understanding of both types of drugs will make it easier for you to choose one of them. So here we have all you need to know about them. Read till the end and take advantage of the information given to make the right choice.
Table of Contents
What is the Difference Between Branded and Generic Drugs?
First, let’s get to know what are generic or branded drugs:
Branded Drugs
When a new drug is discovered for any disease, the manufacturer of that drug applies for its patent. This is done to secure that drug’s ownership and stop other companies from producing or selling the same drug. So for a certain time period, no other manufacturer can sell drugs having the same formula.
Branded drugs are considered more trustworthy and recommended by many doctors. Moreover, most of these are FDA-approved and are proven to be effective for the disease they are made for. Furthermore, these are sold at the same price, shape, taste, and color all around the world.
Generic Drugs
After the patent ends, numerous manufacturers start making copies of branded drugs that have different names but similar formulas. These types of drugs are cheaper as they have low manufacturing costs and that’s why people who cannot afford branded ones can buy them.
These drugs have similar active ingredients as the branded drug however these are not FDA-approved. Similarly, most of the doctors only suggest these as alternatives to branded medicines. Having the same formula makes generic drugs effective however the side effects and various details remain unknown for most generic drugs.
How Branded and Generic Drugs Differ?
Some key differences between both types of drugs are as follows:
- Same active ingredients but generic drugs have some additional inactive ingredients to make the drug different from the branded pills.
- Branded medicines are FDA approved while generic drugs are not approved by them.
- Branded pills have the same shape, taste, and color as wherever in the world it is sold. However, they can have numerous generic forms having different physical features.
- Generic drugs are mostly cheaper than branded ones.
- Generic pills are manufactured by different manufacturers however the branded pills will have only one manufacturer selling across the world.
- Branded drugs are more easily available in the market than generic versions.
- Branded medicines have better quality than generic drugs.
Branded and Generic Drugs: Which is Best for ED?
There are also many versions of ED pills available in the market. Doctors mostly prescribe branded drugs for ED but you can also use its alternative like generic pills as they are more affordable.
However, generic drugs can have additional inactive ingredients which can result in unknown side effects sometimes. That’s why it is important to ask your doctor before using any Erectile Dysfunction Medicine.
Furthermore, the effects might be the same but onset duration and dosage differ. Therefore you should check these things to decide whether you should use generic pills or branded ones.
Different Types of Branded and Generic Drugs for ED
As we have mentioned, the formula and activity for both types of drugs are the same. So let’s learn about different types of active ingredients in different pills used to treat ED.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil Tablets are available from both branded and generic manufacturers. This was the first ever formula made for treating ED in 1998 and till now it is the most effective medicine. Being a widely popular ED drug, it is available easily everywhere as branded drugs or also in generic forms.
It is used as per need and once a day before 40 minutes of sexual activity and works for several hours. It is a PDE5 Inhibitor drug that helps in maintaining an erection by enhancing blood flow. Furthermore, men can only use it once a day according to the guidelines of doctors.
Side effects of sildenafil are as follows:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Flushing
- Stuffy nose
- Back pain
- Digestion problems
- Body aches
- Vision changes
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is another active ingredient included in oral ED drugs. This is also a PDE5 Inhibitor and needs to be consumed 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse for best effects. Moreover, the best feature of this medicine is that its effects can last for up to 36 hours.
Various dosages of Tadalafil are available easily in the market. Similarly, it is the second-best ED drug and gives the best results with minimum side effects. Its common side effects are as follows:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Pain in limbs
- Upset stomach
- Facial flushing
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor and comes in the form of Oral Swallowable Pills or disintegrating tablets that have to be placed under the tongue. Its onset duration is 30 to 40 minutes while the effects can last for 6 hours.
Furthermore, this drug should also be taken only once a day to treat ED and Increase Sexual Stimulation. Furthermore, it is approved by the FDA and is available in both generic and branded pill forms. Some common side effects of this ingredient are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach Problems
- Flushing
- Body aches
Avanafil
Another ED drug that is easily accessible and gives the best effects is Avanafil. It gives faster effects and its onset duration is 15 to 20 minutes. Men can take one pill of Avanafil once a day and the dosage should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Various dosages of this drug are available in the market.
Moreover, if you’re using nitrates then you should not use this drug as it can give you harmful effects. Furthermore, it is also bad for your cardiac health. Some of its common side effects are mentioned below:
- Sore throat
- Back pain
- Runny nose
- Redness of skin or face
- Headache or dizziness
Why Are Generic Drugs Cheaper?
Branded drugs require more investment in researching and manufacturing the drug. Furthermore, after the discovery of a new drug, it is important to secure a patent which also requires investment. Furthermore, brands also pay for marketing their products and all of these factors increase the price of manufactured drugs.
Whereas, manufacturers of generic drugs do not have to buy a patent. Neither do they invest in marketing or designing the product which decreases the manufacturing cost. Therefore generic drugs are cheaper. However, additional inactive ingredients in generic drugs might decrease the quality of a product.
Does Every Branded Drug have Its Generic Version?
One of the most common Myths About ED Medication is that all of its branded drugs are available in generic forms. However, the truth is that only those medicines whose patent has expired are available in generic forms.
Therefore you can use alternatives to branded medicines if your doctor approves it otherwise you should not use medicines by yourself.
Bottom Line
Branded and Generic Drugs both are effective and you can take any pill you think will be better for you. However, you should ask your doctor if you’re using generic drugs to get the best effects without risky side effects.
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