A Generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, quality, performance, and intended use. When a pharmaceutical manufacturer develops a new drug, it gives its drug two names. One is the generic name, or the name of the chemical compound that compose the drug. The other is the brand name, which is the name the manufacturer and others commonly use to refer to the product. A brand name drug is marketed under a specific trade name by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. In most cases, these drugs are still under patent protection, meaning the manufacturer is the sole source for the product but in many Countries around the world this is not the case and a generic alternative is readily available. A generic drug is made with the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand name drug. The generic drug is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug but is sold under its chemical or "generic" name.

Yes. All manufacturing and marketing of the generic drugs must be conducted in strict compliance with the guidelines established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is a federal agency staffed with pharmaceutical and medical experts who ensure the safety and effectiveness of both generic and brand-name prescription medications. Free prescription drug may be sold without this approval. To get an "A" rating by the FDA, the generic drug must meet the same rigid standards as the brand-name drug. An "A-"rating means a generic drug is identical, or "bioequivalent," to a brand-name drug in:
Dosage Strength
Quality Safety
Performance Medical Use

In addition to tests performed prior to market entry, the FDA regularly assesses the quality of products in the marketplace and thoroughly researches and evaluates the reports of alleged drug product in equivalence.