The International Generics Program
In mid 2004, SaveRxCanada.com (PharmaWeb Canada) unofficially introduced the International Generics Program (IGP) in an effort to gauge customer satisfaction and response. SaveRxCanada.com (PharmaWeb Canada) is pleased to announce that during its limited run, the IGP exceeded all of our expectations. In light of the encouraging response to the program, we have decided to formally launch the IGP and to officially unveil the program with the release of this booklet.
The IGP is one of the first programs of its kind to be launched by a Canadian Prescription Broker in response to Big Pharma's increased pressure on Canadian prescription companies like ours. Just as its name implies, the International Generics Program is aimed at providing US customers with the generic versions of medications that are currently only available as brand names in the US and Canada. All pharmaceuticals obtained through our International Generic Program are the generic equivalents of US FDA approved brand name drugs. Most of these prescription drugs are manufactured in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected facilities located overseas in India. Moreover, they can be purchased at hefty discount prices above and beyond our already low prices on Canadian medications.
Generic medications are widely accepted by physicians, pharmacists, and healthcare providers. Today, more than 40% of all annually dispensed medications are in fact, generic drugs, and the availability of generic drugs is constantly expanding. Now is the right time to choose generic drugs and to choose SaveRxCanada.com (PharmaWeb Canada) as your supplier! We offer only top-quality generic drugs that are exact duplicates of the brand name drugs upon which they are based. You can be rest assured and confident in the stability, effectiveness, and quality of prescription medication you can order from our prescription drug service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Generic Drugs
- What are generic drugs?
- Why are generic drugs less expensive? Generic vs Brand
- Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
- Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
- Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
- Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
- If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
- What is the best source of information about generic drugs?
A generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use.
2. Why are generic drugs less expensive?
(Generic vs Brand) Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers don’t have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug. New drugs are developed under patent protection. The patent protects the investment—including research, development, marketing, and promotion—by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while it is in effect. As patents near expiration, manufacturers can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. Because those manufacturers don’t have the same development costs, they can sell their product at substantial discounts. Also, once generic drugs are approved, there is greater competition, which keeps the price down. Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.
3. Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA requires that all drugs be safe and effective. Since generics use the same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body, they have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
4. Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
Yes. FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.
5. Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
No. Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs.
6. Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart - Generic vs Brand?
No. Brand-name drugs are generally given patent protection for 20 years from the date of submission of the patent. This provides protection for the innovator who laid out the initial costs (including research, development, and marketing expenses) to develop the new drug. However, when the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce competitive generic versions, but only after they have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer and approved by the FDA.
7. If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
In the United States, trademark laws do not allow a generic drug to look exactly like the brand-name drug. However, a generic drug must duplicate the active ingredient. Colors, flavors, and certain other inactive ingredients may be different.
8. What is the best source of information about generic drugs?
Contact your physician, pharmacist, or insurance company for information on your generic drugs.
