In most cases, they are essentially the same thing. The active ingredient has to be the same, but the binders (that hold the tablet together), fillers, coatings and colors may differ. In order to be substitutable, the generic is tested against the brand and shown to have the same effect. Generics are rated by the FDA and those that can be substituted have an AB rating.

Generics and brands differ in price because if you choose the brand name, you are paying for the brand name. Also, generic companies did not have to do the research to develop that particular medication, so they do not have the expenses in research, development and advertising.

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