Generic medications are drugs that have the same active ingredients, dosage form, and strength as their brand-name counterparts. They are typically sold at lower prices because they do not have the same development and marketing costs. Once the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell the generic version. These medications are required to meet the same safety and efficacy standards set by regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients can trust that generic medications will work as effectively as the original brand-name drugs, making them a cost-effective option for many.