A generic drug is one that is no longer sold exclusively under the patent of the pharmaceutical company that developed it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic equivalents are identical to their brand-name counterparts in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, and performance. The FDA ensures that generic equivalents are as safe and effective as the original brand-name drugs. Generic drugs are generally the most cost effective option under the plan.
