Generic medications are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, and often cost less. As 9 in 10 prescriptions filled are for generics, people may have questions about how they are the same as the name brand medications and why there is a cost savings.

To help educate patients about FDA’s rigorous review process, the economics of pricing, and related issues, FDA offers a range of educational materials, including videos, graphics, fact sheets, and related resources.

Information and materials about generic drugs are also available in Spanish. Visit our Medicamentos Genéricos section.

Patient and Prescriber Educational Materials

Patient | Consumer Public Service Announcement

Prescriber Flyers

Generic Drug Facts Handouts

Infographics

Facts About Generic Drugs

Today, more than 9 in 10 prescriptions filled in the United States are for generic drugs. The number of generic drugs is expected to grow as patents and exclusivities for brand-name drugs expire and they become eligible for generic competition.

Download a high-resolution, printable PDF of this infographic (PDF – 239 KB)