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"Generic Drugs"

From Anne Asher,
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Definition: A generic drug is one that is called by the official, chemical name of the drug.

The generic name differs from the (often) more widely known brand name of a drug. Drug companies do not own trademarks for generic drugs. If a generic drug is for sale, it means that there is no pharmaceutical company having an exclusive right to sell that drug. Frequently, this makes the generic version less expensive than brand, but you are getting the very same substance.

Pronunciation: gen air ik
Examples: The generic name for for the pain killer Tylenol is acetaminophen.
Updated: January 24, 2008
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