Generic Drug Roundup: December 2010

From the US Food and Drug Administration Web Page

Each year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves many generic drugs that treat a wide variety of conditions and help consumers save money.

Significant FDA approvals of generic medications are listed below.

Be aware that the notes included with the description of each drug listed below do not include all warnings, side effects, or use instructions associated with these products. You should read the medication guide, when available, and speak with a health care professional regarding any medication you are taking, have been prescribed, or are considering taking

• Anastrozole Tablets
• Venlafaxine Hydrochloride extended-release capsules
• Aztreonam (for Injection)
• Enoxaparin Sodium Injection
• Losartan Potassium Tablets
• Generic Drugs: Vital Facts
  • Generic drugs are identical to their brand-name equivalents in dosage, safety, strength, quality, performance characteristics, intended use, and the way they’re administered to patients.
  • On average, the cost of a generic drug is 80 to 85 percent lower than the brand-name product.
  • New drugs are patented to protect the investments of the manufacturers that develop them. As patents or other periods of exclusivity on new drugs expire, manufacturers—including firms that did not develop the drugs—can seek FDA approval to sell generic versions.

This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-
regulated products.

For More Information

• Facts and Myths about Generic Drugs
• Understanding Generic Drugs
• Drug Approval Reports by Month