Most people have questions regarding the safety and efficacy of generic pet medicines. They may also ask why generic animal drugs are so cost-effective.
Just like medications for humans, a pet medication has to undergo the Food and Drug Administration’s drug approval process. The agency reviews information submitted by a particular drug company that manufactures generic pet drugs.
Once the information meets the FDA’s approval requirements, the agency approves the generic pet drug. This suggests that the drug is safe and effective when used under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Generic pet medications work the same way as brand-name medications. Plus, they are proven to have the same safety and efficacy as brand-name drugs.
Generic pet drugs and brand-name drugs have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage, route of administration, indications for use, purity, and safety. Also, generics carry the same side effects, risks, and benefits as the brand name.
However, generic pet meds may have different inactive ingredients and the FDA ensures those inactive ingredients are acceptable.
Like generic drugs for humans, generic pet drugs are cheaper because generic manufacturers do not have to repeat the costly laboratory and clinical trials that the brand name company invested in to gain the first FDA approval, according to VetRxDirect, an online pharmacy that offers generic and brand medicines for pets.
You should always have a word with your vet when you want to give generic medicines to your pets. You can visit the FDA’s official website for more information on generic pet medications.
The bottom line is generic pet or animal drugs are as safe and effective as their branded counterparts.
The FDA requires that the generic pet drug be manufactured under the same strict manufacturing standards as the brand-name drugs. All you need to do is check with your vet before giving any generic drug to your beloved pet.
