The main differences between a brand-name product and a generic product include:
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The Company That Sells the Product: Brand-name products are manufactured and sold by specific companies that have developed and marketed the product. Generic products are typically produced after the patent on a brand-name product expires and are sold under their chemical name or a different brand name without the original branding.
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Quality of the Product: While generic products are required to have the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and administration route as their brand-name counterparts, some consumers believe there may be differences in inactive ingredients or manufacturing processes that can affect quality or effectiveness. However, regulatory bodies evaluate and approve generics for safety and efficacy.
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Social Responsibility of the Manufacturer: Brand-name companies might engage in practices such as more extensive advertising and marketing, which can impact their perceived social responsibility. Generic manufacturers often have lower marketing costs as their products are not heavily advertised, which may influence their pricing and approach to corporate responsibility.
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Side Effects of the Product: Both brand-name and generic products come with the same potential side effects since they contain the same active ingredients. However, individual responses can vary, and some consumers may report different experiences between the two, although this is typically due to the inactive ingredients or personal sensitivity rather than a difference in the active drug itself.
In summary, the differences primarily revolve around branding, pricing, perceived quality, and the marketing strategies of the manufacturers.
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