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Frequently Asked Questions

We have collected below the most important and frequently asked question about our business. For further questions, please feel free to contact us and we will endeavor to address your question or comment to the best of our abilities and as quickly as possible.

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• Generics Industry
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6. Do generic drugs look different from the brand-name product?

U.S. trademark laws don't allow generic drugs to look exactly the same as another drug already on the market. For that reason, the color and shape of a generic pill may be different than the brand-name. Sometimes it will have a different coating or flavor. These inactive ingredients are also carefully considered by the FDA. Differences in taste or appearance do not affect the drug's safety or effectiveness. (Source: GPhA)

7. Does every brand-name medicine have a generic version?

No. Generic versions of brand-name medicines usually come to market after FDA approval.  Sometimes the brand-name drug remains the only approved product available if no companies develop a generic version.

You can find out if your brand-name drug has a generic equivalent by asking your doctor or pharmacist. There are also online resources, such as the Drugs@FDA search tool from the Food and Drug Administration to help you identify whether your brand-name drug has a "therapeutic equivalent" version. You can use our Product Finder Tool to check if Sandoz makes a generic version of a specific drug. (Source: FDA, GPhA) 

8. Should I substitute a generic medicine for a reference product?

At Sandoz, we verify the efficacy of our generics by thorough bioequivalence studies and are confident they meet the highest quality standards. However, we believe in open communication and recommend that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your medication. Your health professionals will then be able to give you the best care at the best price.

9. Why do generics cost less? How much less do they really cost?

Generics are offered at lower prices than reference medicines because initial basic and clinical research programs do not need to be repeated in full and generics do not need to incur sales and marketing costs. These cost savings are passed on to patients and may be significant. Generics can cost anywhere from 20% to 90% less than the price of reference medicines.

10. How are generic medicines evaluated and compared to the reference medicine?

As the reference medicine has been authorized for several years, there is already available information about safety and efficacy. Clinical studies therefore do need not be repeated completely. However, legislation defines tests to ensure that the generic is equally safe and effective – usually a bioequivalence study. Manufacturing standards for generics are the same as for any other authorized medicine and the FDA performs similar periodical inspections of manufacturing sites.

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