A generic drug meets the same stringent performance and bioequivalence standards set by the
U.S. government as the brand name drug. Each generic drug is laboratory-tested to ensure that
the same amount of drug will be absorbed into the bloodstream as with the brand-name drug.
Since 1984 no generic drug has been approved in the U.S. unless it has been shown to have the
same rate and amount of active drug absorbed as the brand-name drug.
Health care professionals strongly support the use of generic drugs. The American Medical
Association, the largest organization of medical doctors, states that generic drug products are
acceptable for use by the American public. Most hospitals routinely use generic drugs for
treatment of their patients.
