Are generic drugs as effective as brand-name drugs?

The main difference is the name. A generic drug is called by its chemical name, instead of a brand name. Generic drugs meet the same stringent performance and manufacturing standards as brand-name medications and usually cost less. The U.S. FDA requires that each generic drug has the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form as the brand-name version. Generic drugs must also pass the same FDA standards for quality and clinical effectiveness.