Eli5: what is the difference between a generic drug to the original drug, and why do some doctors will swear by the original drug?
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There are already some great answers to your question. I’d like to add on another potential difference between a generic vs a brand medication. While, as stated previously, the main active ingredient must be the same in both generic and brand forms, the other components may differ. There is a possibility that a patient has an allergy to one of the inactive ingredients in either of the formulations.
Also, some brand pills contain a « delivery system » for an active ingredient. Great examples of this are some ADHD medications such as Concerta. The pill is engineered is such a way that some of the compound is released immediately, and some is released later in the day. This works because a part of the capsule dissolves immediately, while another part of the capsule dissolved slowly. Thus, even if the active ingredient has a rapid action peak and elimination time, because it is released stepwise, one pill can work for a whole day.
Such “release mechanisms” exist for several drugs, and it has been known that at times generics do not replicate these mechanisms well.
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