generic drug

[jəˈnerɪk drʌg]
nounpl: generic drugs
medicamento genérico
1. A medication produced and distributed without patent protection, containing the same active ingredients and dosage as brand-name drugs but typically at a lower cost
After the patent expired, the pharmaceutical company began producing a generic drug version of the popular antibiotic.
Após a expiração da patente, a empresa farmacêutica começou a produzir uma versão de medicamento genérico do antibiótico popular.
2. A pharmaceutical preparation that is bioequivalent to a brand-name or proprietary drug and approved by regulatory authorities
Generic drugs are often preferred by insurance companies because they help reduce healthcare costs.
Os medicamentos genéricos são frequentemente preferidos pelas seguradoras porque ajudam a reduzir os custos de saúde.
In Brazil, generic drugs (medicamentos genéricos) were officially introduced in 1999 and are highly promoted by the government and health system (SUS) as a cost-effective healthcare solution. They are easily identifiable by a white stripe on the packaging. In the USA, generic drugs represent a significant portion of prescriptions filled and are a key strategy for managing healthcare costs. Both countries recognize generics as bioequivalent alternatives to brand-name drugs.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
generic medicationnon-proprietary drugbioequivalent drug
Antonyms / Antônimos
brand-name drugproprietary drugbranded medication

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
medicamento genérico
Standard term used throughout Brazil in healthcare and pharmaceutical contexts
Portugal
medicamento genérico
Same term used in Portugal; also sometimes referred to as 'medicamento sem marca' in informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
medicamento genérico
Common usage in healthcare discussions and pharmacy settings
São Paulo
medicamento genérico
Standard term; frequently used in discussions about healthcare policy and costs

Related Words

patent expirationbioavailabilitypharmaceutical equivalenceactive ingredientdosage form

Related Idioms & Phrases

go generic
switch to a generic
generic alternative
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